Lawrence University
Lawrence University — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Lawrence University at a Glance
Lawrence University is a private liberal arts college and conservatory of music in Appleton, Wisconsin, United States. Founded in 1847, its first classes were held on November 12, 1849. Lawrence was the second college in the U.S. to be founded as a coeducational institution.
1847
179 years old
$457M
$456.6 million (2025)
1,465
84 acres
Identity
Is Lawrence University Worth It?
Lawrence University offers moderate value at $23,401/year net price. Graduates earn a median of $55,789, which is near the national average. Students should research specific program outcomes before committing.
The investment pays for itself in just 1.7 years — among the fastest payback periods of any college we track.
The 77% graduation rate means roughly 23% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
How Lawrence University compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #13 of 90 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 | Centre College | 66 | $20,781 | $66,240 |
| #2 | Canisius University | 58 | $17,940 | $60,681 |
| #3 | Fresno Pacific University | 57 | $13,630 | $58,896 |
| #4 | Gustavus Adolphus College | 55 | $22,900 | $65,607 |
| #5 | North Park University | 50 | $16,948 | $59,572 |
| #6 | Muhlenberg College | 49 | $28,905 | $69,107 |
| #13 | Lawrence University | 46 | $23,401 | $55,789 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of Lawrence University's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in WI.
Best Programs at Lawrence University
The highest-earning program at Lawrence University is Music at $23,700/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Music graduate from Lawrence University earns $23,700, while a Music graduate earns $23,700. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Music graduates carry $15,750 in median debt vs. $15,750 for Music.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $23,401/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Music | $23,700 | $23,700 | $15,750 |
Similar Colleges in WI
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Appleton, WI
- Student Body
- 1,396 students
- Admission Rate
- 64%
- Graduation Rate
- 77%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $23,401
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $55,789
- Median Student Debt
- $26,000