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You are here: Home / Schools / Lawrence University

Lawrence University

Appleton, WI
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Lawrence University

Photo: Lawrence University. Retrieved from: www.lawrence.edu

Lawrence University is the ideal campus for students to engage in an exhilarating liberal arts education with a twist of both science and professional civility. The Biology and Science programs attract students from across the country – while the Music Performance program consists of an international body of talented students. Providing students with enough space and to take advantage of opportunities is part of the mission of the school, carried out through the various courses, seminars and extra-curricular activities available. Most importantly, however, Lawrence University helps to prepare students for their professional endeavors and success.

Both the coursework and activities offered at Lawrence University inspire students to consider alternative options concerning professional and educational decisions. Many students pursue double major to incorporate a variety of experience and degree programs to explore in their future. The University provides students with an eclectic variety of professional advancement courses, seminars and workshops to help students advance in their goals and career paths.

School History

Founded in 1847, Lawrence University was established before Wisconsin was declared statehood. Under the authority of Reverends Henry R. Colman and William Harkness, the University was established to provide a premier education to local German and Indian students. For two years, the clergyman and local merchant Amos A. Lawrence worked together to develop the structure and campus of the school. The first classes at Lawrence University were held in mid November 1849.

Lawrence University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North central Association of Colleges and Secondary Schools for their degree programs. Several individual programs hold separate accreditation such as the Conservatory of Music, which is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music.

The initial 50 years of Lawrence University has become the most historic in that it established the foundation of strength for both the reputation of the institution and the faculty that held it together. Through financial obstacles caused by the changing times and sporadic wars created a continuously trying environment that forced the school to showcase its strength and determination to protect the education of its students.

By 1913, the college became known as Lawrence College, and continued operations focusing on a strong liberal arts style education and curriculum. Throughout time and presidencies, the curriculum became more advanced, incorporating a variety of professional and social programs. In the 1960s, Lawrence added a wide range of international programs to enhance the curriculum, followed by an increase of interdisciplinary programs such as Environmental Studies, Ethnic Studies and Gender Studies.

Campus Life

The Lawrence University campus offers an intense range of opportunity for students, offering support with everything from Health & Wellness services to the plethora of online resources available to students from the Computer Lab. Music majors proudly expedite live performances in the Conservatory of Music for the student body, faculty, family and friends throughout the year – giving everyone a strong appreciate for the performing arts. Many students become active members of the Honor Council, showcasing their leadership and communication skills in a range of facets on and off campus representing their school and student body.

Nearly all Lawrence University students and alumni, at some point in their college career, attend a retreat or seminar at Bjorklunden vid Sjon – the iconic estate known as the northern campus of the school. Although this facility is open to the public, many Lawrence students take advantage of the professional services, academic lectures and social workshops that are held throughout the year. On campus, Lawrence offers a wide range of clubs and organizations that connects students with their special interests, religious affiliation, political interests and athletic ability. Many students take advantage of the varsity and intramural sports teams offered as well.

Lawrence University offers a student guide to residential housing that all students are encouraged to keep handy. With over 15 housing complexes to accommodate students, the Campus Life Office staff members remain available throughout the year to assist students in placement, transition and discrepancy solution. Hall Advisors are also available in each facility to assist students with personal, academic and residential needs.

Financial Aid

Helping students find ways to afford their college education is one of the main priorities at Lawrence University. For this reason, staff and faculty members are attentive to helping students explore all possible funding options available to them. An in-depth list of resources including private and charity funding opportunities is available in the Office of Financial Aid for students to review. Students are also encouraged to review the Financial Aid Checklist provided in the Admissions package to ensure a convenient application process.

Lawrence University offers a variety of different scholarships that are based on merit, music and individual subject area aptitude success. All students are encouraged to apply for the More Light! Scholarship program offered at Lawrence University to reduce the amount of out-of-pocket costs. International financial aid funding is also accepted for exchange students, as well as students applying for the study abroad program.

Rankings

2017 College Rankings

Best Colleges - Academic Challenge

  • Overview
  • Community & Safety
  • Academics
  • Social Life

Overview

Despite college rankings and countless beautiful college websites, most students and families know very little about the actual student experience at particular schools. College websites, campus tours and conversations with high school guidance counselors provide very limited information.

The Voice of the Student Survey compares the responses of over 7,500 liberal arts college undergraduates on more than 40 questions about college life. As a result, we learned what “real life” looks like at individual schools.

Some of the best (and worst) performers in our research are surprising. Some are among the U.S. News & World Report’s top ranked liberal arts colleges in the country, while others are ranked much lower but provide a successful student experience.

Our Liberal Arts Insider members know exactly how these colleges compare.

We surveyed thousands of liberal arts students to help you get the real scoop about the student experience… the good, the bad and the ugly.

Campus Community Coach & Safety Sherpa

How safe, accepted, and comfortable students feel on their college campus is one of the largest influencing factors as to how satisfied they feel with their college experience. Having a tight-knit college community is the cornerstone of a successful college experience, as proven by our Voice of the Students survey.

We can compare what the college brochures advertise to what students are actually experiencing; sometimes the admissions representatives have no idea how students on their campus really feel. This “Community” section is a way to find out exactly what students think about their campus, in their own words. Here, we have data about student satisfaction, housing, social cliques, and student’s sense of safety.

Get Our In Depth Analysis of Liberal Arts Colleges

The smartest way to cut through the college marketing hype and pick a college that is a perfect fit for your child is to become a Liberal Arts Insider member. Our research reveals inside information that colleges will never tell you.
Learn More

Academics Advisor

Without a doubt, academics are a major focus, if not the top priority, for many college students. Schools will often advertise their classrooms as collaborative, but we’ve found that students sometimes describe the academic environment as highly competitive. Are students helping each other with academic work or trying to get ahead? Do students spend every waking moment with their nose in a book?

We asked students both qualitative and quantitative questions to find out how the academics at this school challenge them, and contribute to their college experience. Find out directly from the students how they feel about academics, challenging or otherwise, at their school.

Get Our In Depth Analysis of Liberal Arts Colleges

The smartest way to cut through the college marketing hype and pick a college that is a perfect fit for your child is to become a Liberal Arts Insider member. Our research reveals inside information that colleges will never tell you.
Learn More

Social Life Navigator

In addition to academics, social life is integral to the campus experience, and it’s dictated by a few different elements. Do students feel discriminated against based on their identities? Where do students spend most of their time socializing? Do drugs and alcohol dominate the social scene? This is the kind of information that schools will NOT advertise.

So, to find truthful answers these to questions, we asked students for their perspectives. We looked into social aspects such as extracurricular involvement, opportunities in the local community, and alcohol/drug culture on this campus.

Get Our In Depth Analysis of Liberal Arts Colleges

The smartest way to cut through the college marketing hype and pick a college that is a perfect fit for your child is to become a Liberal Arts Insider member. Our research reveals inside information that colleges will never tell you.
Learn More

Fast Facts

Location:Appleton, WI
Year Founded:1847
Number of Students:1001 to 2000
Avg Net Price:$ 27,000
Retention Rate (%):89
Reported Test Type:SAT
Test Scores (75% percentile):1430
Test Scores (25% percentile):1240
Freshman in Top 10% of HS Class (%):43
Admit Rate (%):68
School Selectivity:Moderately Selective
4 Year Graduation Rate (%):63

Note: Facts compiled from school website as well as other data sources including: US Department of Education, IPEDS, College Board and NCES.

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