Lawrence Technological University
Lawrence Technological University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Lawrence Technological University at a Glance
Lawrence Technological University is a private university in Southfield, Michigan. It was founded in 1932 in Highland Park, Michigan, as the Lawrence Institute of Technology (LIT) by Russell E. Lawrence. The university moved to Southfield in 1955 and has since expanded to 107 acres (43 ha). The campus also includes the Frank Lloyd Wright designed Affleck House in Bloomfield Hills. The university offers associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral programs through its five colleges.
1932
94 years old
$91M
$90.88 million (2021)
3,154
2,314 undergrad · 673 grad
315
107 acres
Identity
Is Lawrence Technological University Worth It?
At a value score of 32/100, Lawrence Technological University is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $69,151 — 29% above average — while paying $32,918/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.9 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 62% graduation rate means roughly 38% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at Lawrence Technological University has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Lawrence Technological University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier in MI
Ranked #46 of 61 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of St Francis | 81 | $13,006 | $63,926 |
| #2 | Wofford College | 76 | $18,732 | $68,964 |
| #3 | Centre College | 66 | $20,781 | $66,240 |
| #4 | DePauw University | 61 | $22,264 | $70,527 |
| #5 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #6 | Wabash College | 55 | $24,336 | $69,952 |
| #46 | Lawrence Technological University | 32 | $32,918 | $69,151 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Lawrence Technological University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 3 in MI.
Best Programs at Lawrence Technological University
The highest-earning program at Lawrence Technological University is Mechanical Engineering at $73,200/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Design and Applied Arts at $48,900/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Mechanical Engineering graduate from Lawrence Technological University earns $73,200, while a Design and Applied Arts graduate earns $48,900. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Mechanical Engineering graduates carry $30,750 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Design and Applied Arts.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $32,918/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | $73,200 | $73,200 | $30,750 |
| Architecture | $53,400 | $53,400 | N/A |
| Design and Applied Arts | $48,900 | $48,900 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in MI
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Southfield, MI
- Student Body
- 1,668 students
- Admission Rate
- 56%
- Graduation Rate
- 62%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $32,918
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $69,151
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000