Percentile rankings vs 1,600+ peer institutions. Higher is better.
Career OutcomesAzimuth ranks Lawrence University #1345 for overall value on Azimuth's composite among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $22,968 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing Lawrence University in the 4.1 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Lawrence University #1360 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. --- Lawrence University's composite ranking reflects its ability to balance access, affordability, and strong graduate outcomes. Graduates see meaningful earnings gains compared with similar students at peer institutions, anchored by the university's focus on liberal arts and sciences. ---
Azimuth ranks Lawrence University #1345 for overall value on Azimuth's composite among nonprofit four-year institutions. A private baccalaureate college in Appleton, Wisconsin, Lawrence University enrolls roughly 1,396 undergraduates. Retention is 86.6% and the six-year graduation rate is 76.8%, reflecting strong student persistence through degree completion. Lawrence University distinguishes itself through a distinctive academic portfolio centered on Visual & Performing Arts, paired with strong outcomes for graduates. Azimuth ranks Lawrence University #1360 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $22,968 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing Lawrence University in the 4.1 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. This performance reflects the institution's ability to move students into careers that deliver financial returns competitive with or exceeding those at comparable institutions. Access at Lawrence University is selective, with an admission rate of 63.9%. The student body includes 22.0% Pell-eligible undergraduates and 17.4% first-generation students. While the institution sits in the 17.3 percentile for access and the 17.5 percentile for affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions, its strength in return on investment and the 73.2 percentile positioning for mobility outcomes underscore its value proposition for students seeking strong long-term financial outcomes from a residential liberal arts education.
Lawrence University's published cost of attendance is $69,849. Net price by income band reflects the institution's need-based aid approach: low-income families pay approximately $10,419, middle-income families pay around $15,020, and higher-income families pay approximately $32,758. Azimuth ranks Lawrence University #1176 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Lawrence University's aid structure is need-based, with financial aid distributed through federal (Pell Grants, Direct Loans), state, and institutional programs. The institution participates in the CSS Profile for aid determination, and families apply using the FAFSA. Work-study is available as part of the aid package for eligible students. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $26,000, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $59,814; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the Parent PLUS risk framework for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $51,503, median federal debt of $26,000 projects to a monthly payment of about $294 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use Azimuth's Financial GPS tool.
Lawrence University is a strong fit for students drawn to the visual and performing arts who want a private liberal arts college experience in WI. Graduates earn median 4-year earnings of $51,503, placing Lawrence University in the 11.4 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. They earn about $22,968 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing the institution in the 4.1 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. The institution enrolls a meaningful share of Pell-eligible and first-generation students — 22.0% of undergraduates receive Pell Grants and 17.4% are first-generation. Published cost of attendance is $32,758, with median federal debt at graduation of $26,000. Fit depends on alignment with Visual & Performing Arts programs, which represent 23% of degrees. Students whose interests match these areas will find focused resources and outcomes that track WI's no-degree-equivalent earnings baseline of $35,275.
This school profile was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid. Data sourced from College Scorecard.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
Comprehensive Analysis
Detailed metrics, charts, and full data breakdown
Financial GPS Tool
Personalized cost and earnings calculator
This is the Lawrence University hub overview page. Related admissions, cost, outcomes, majors, and similar-school pages provide the detailed school data.
Based on federal data for students receiving aid. Actual costs may vary.
Lawrence University's published cost of attendance is $69,849. Net price by income band reflects the institution's need-based aid approach: low-income families pay approximately $10,419, middle-income families pay around $15,020, and higher-income families pay approximately $32,758.
Azimuth ranks Lawrence University #1176 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown.
Lawrence University's aid structure is need-based, with financial aid distributed through federal (Pell Grants, Direct Loans), state, and institutional programs. The institution participates in the CSS Profile for aid determination, and families apply using the FAFSA.
Work-study is available as part of the aid package for eligible students. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $26,000, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $59,814; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the [Parent PLUS risk framework](/analysis/ou-what-happens-when-parents-borrow-too/) for how household context shapes PLUS decisions.
For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $51,503, median federal debt of $26,000 projects to a monthly payment of about $294 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use [Azimuth's Financial GPS tool](/analysis/financial-gps-framework/).
Graduates of Lawrence University earn median 4-year earnings of $51,503, placing the institution in the 11.4 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $22,968 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing Lawrence University in the 4.1 percentile for [earnings beyond expectations](/analysis/a-value-added-approach-to-college-outcomes/) among nonprofit four-year institutions.
Azimuth ranks Lawrence University #1360 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. The earnings pattern reflects Lawrence University's distinctive program portfolio centered on Visual & Performing Arts.
Music is the largest program with 57 graduates earning median 4-year earnings of $43,385, representing 1.0x the national benchmark for the field [per the program-ranking methodology](/analysis/college-program-rankings-how-to-actually-evaluate-programs/). The Biology, General program graduates 35 students with median 4-year earnings of $38,092, while Psychology, General and Economics round out the institution's core offerings with 30 and 28 graduates respectively.
This concentrated program mix supports consistent outcomes across Lawrence University's academic portfolio.
Explore alternatives with comparable outcomes based on location, selectivity, and value:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Lakeland University Higher acceptance rate (28.1 percentage points higher) and located 39 miles away; similar graduate earnings | WI | 91% | $55,961 | Compare |
University Of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Higher acceptance rate (23.7 percentage points higher) and located 18 miles away; similar graduate earnings | WI | 87% | $55,548 | Compare |
University Of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Higher acceptance rate (29.3 percentage points higher) and located 86 miles away; similar graduate earnings | WI | 92% | $54,990 | Compare |
Belmont University Higher acceptance rate (33.3 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | TN | 96% | $55,930 | Compare |
John Paul The Great Catholic University Higher acceptance rate (16.3 percentage points higher) with similar program focus; similar graduate earnings | CA | 79% | $56,930 | Compare |
Peer institutions with comparable quality and outcomes:
| School | State | Accept Rate | Median Earnings | Rank | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Palm Beach Atlantic University Similar quality tier (#36134 ranked) | FL | 82% | $49,232 | #36134 | Compare |
Emory & Henry University Similar quality tier (#36136 ranked) | VA | 84% | $47,385 | #36136 | Compare |
Knox College Similar quality tier in Midwest (#36137 ranked) | IL | 71% | $54,820 | #36137 | Compare |
Webber International University Similar quality tier (#36138 ranked) | FL | 69% | $45,606 | #36138 | Compare |
Concordia University-Nebraska Similar quality tier in Midwest (#36127 ranked) | NE | 86% | $52,415 | #36127 | Compare |
Economics
28 graduates
Political Science and Government
24 graduates
English Language and Literature, General
19 graduates
Psychology, General
30 graduates
Fine and Studio Arts
23 graduates
Lawrence University's program mix is anchored in Visual & Performing Arts, a signature that reflects the institution's identity as a residential liberal arts college with distinctive strengths in creative and performing disciplines. Music is the largest program with 57 graduates, followed by Biology, General, Psychology, General, Economics, and Political Science.
Across 22 programs, 0 meet Azimuth's ranking threshold, with several delivering strong four-year earnings outcomes. The earnings pattern reflects Lawrence University's liberal arts positioning and creative focus.
Economics leads with median earnings of $71,338 four years after enrollment, followed by Political Science at $50,021, English Language and Literature, General at $47,954, Psychology, General at $45,971, and Fine and Studio Arts at $44,313. The institution's largest programs—Music with 57 graduates earning $43,385 and Biology, General with 35 graduates earning $38,092—anchor the institution's economic profile and reflect the breadth of Lawrence University's undergraduate offerings.
Many of Lawrence University's programs serve as pathways to graduate or professional study, particularly in Visual & Performing Arts and related creative disciplines where four-year earnings may undercount lifetime trajectory as graduates pursue advanced degrees, residencies, or specialized training. The [supply and demand for college graduates](/analysis/supply-demand-map-college-degrees/) provides context for how Lawrence University's dominant program families align with labor-market demand and emerging career pathways in creative and applied fields.
