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Lawrence University

Appleton, WI

private nonprofitbachelors

Quick Facts

Light! More Light! Veritas est lux.("Truth is Light")

Wikipedia
1847
Founded
Private liberal arts college
Type
1,394
Total Students
$55K
Tuition (In-State)
$55K
Tuition (Out-State)
$25K
Avg Net Price
63%
Acceptance Rate
76%
Graduation Rate
6-year
87%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate Colleges
Classification
President: Laurie Carter

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About Lawrence University

Lawrence University: A pioneering liberal arts college where music thrives and critical thinking is paramount.

Nestled in Appleton, Wisconsin, Lawrence University is a distinguished private liberal arts college that has been shaping minds since its founding in 1847. With a vibrant student body of 1465, Lawrence offers an intimate, highly personalized educational experience where students are encouraged to explore a breadth of knowledge while delving deep into their chosen fields. It's particularly renowned for its exceptional Conservatory of Music, a jewel within the university that provides world-class musical training alongside a comprehensive liberal arts education.

Lawrence holds a significant place in American educational history as the second coeducational institution in the country, a testament to its forward-thinking vision from its earliest days. Originally chartered in 1847 and welcoming its first students in 1849, the university later merged with Milwaukee-Downer College, meticulously weaving its rich traditions and heritage into the Appleton campus. This historical commitment to inclusivity and a holistic educational approach continues to define the Lawrence experience.

Academically, Lawrence offers a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Music, and a Bachelor of Musical Arts, alongside a unique five-year dual-degree program allowing students to earn both a B.A. and B.Mus. A cornerstone of the curriculum is the mandatory First-year Studies program, where all students engage with a curated selection of classic works in literature, art, and music, fostering a shared intellectual foundation and stimulating lively discourse. This distinctive program exemplifies Lawrence's dedication to critical inquiry and a deep engagement with foundational texts, preparing students for a lifetime of thoughtful exploration.

Key Highlights

  • One of the nation's earliest coeducational institutions, established in 1847.
  • Home to a distinguished Conservatory of Music, founded in 1874, offering Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Musical Arts degrees.
  • A tight-knit community with 1465 students, providing a personalized liberal arts education.
  • Features a mandatory 'First-year Studies' program, where all new students engage with 11 classic works across disciplines.
  • Offers a unique 5-year dual-degree program to earn both a B.A. and B.Mus.
  • Main Hall, the oldest extant building, was constructed in 1853.

Timeline

1847
Chartered as Lawrence Institute of Wisconsin by the Territorial Legislature.
1849
Classes began, and the institution was renamed Lawrence University.
1853
Main Hall, the oldest extant building, was constructed.
1874
The Lawrence Conservatory of Music was founded.
1894
Alumnus Samuel G. Plantz began his 30-year tenure as president, quadrupling student enrollment.
1913
Renamed Lawrence College to emphasize its small size and liberal arts focus.
1929
The Institute of Paper Chemistry was founded as a collaboration with local paper manufacturers.
1945
The First-year Studies (formerly Freshman Studies) program was initiated.
1964
Merged with Milwaukee-Downer College, returning to the name Lawrence University.
2024
First-year Studies program shortened from two terms to one.
🏛️
179 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

1 notable schools within Lawrence University

⚖️

Lawrence Conservatory of Music

Founded in 1874, it offers Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Musical Arts degrees within a comprehensive liberal arts university setting.

Leadership

via Wikipedia
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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