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Lawrence University

Appleton, WI

private nonprofitbachelors

Quick Facts

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

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

A pioneering coeducational liberal arts college with a renowned Conservatory, inspiring discovery since 1847.

Step into a legacy of innovation and academic excellence at Lawrence University, a distinguished private liberal arts college founded in 1847. Known for its commitment to a holistic education, Lawrence was a trailblazer, becoming the second coeducational institution in the country. Students here thrive in a vibrant intellectual community that blends rigorous academics with a rich tapestry of arts and culture.

Lawrence's academic strength is underscored by its diverse degree offerings: a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Music, and a Bachelor of Musical Arts. For those seeking an interdisciplinary path, the unique five-year dual degree program allows students to earn both a B.A. and a B.Mus. The university fosters critical thinking and a shared intellectual experience through its mandatory First-year Studies program, where all new students delve into 11 classic works of literature, art, and music.

The university's history is deeply woven into its identity, including its merger with Milwaukee-Downer College, which enriched the Appleton campus with enduring traditions, from symbolic groves to class banners. The renowned Lawrence Conservatory of Music, established in 1874, stands as a testament to the institution's longstanding dedication to musical arts. Under the leadership of President Laurie Carter, Lawrence University continues to uphold its motto, "Light! More Light! Veritas est lux.", guiding students toward enlightenment and truth in a supportive and engaging environment.

Key Highlights

  • Founded in 1847, Lawrence University was the second coeducational institution in the United States.
  • Offers three distinct degrees: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Music, and Bachelor of Musical Arts.
  • Features a five-year dual degree program allowing students to earn both a B.A. and B.Mus.
  • Mandatory First-year Studies program requires all students to study 11 classic works of literature, art, and music.
  • Home to the esteemed Lawrence Conservatory of Music, founded in 1874.
  • Current student body of 1465, fostering a close-knit liberal arts experience.
  • Formerly named Lawrence College (1913-1964) to emphasize its liberal arts focus and small size.

Timeline

1847
Chartered as Lawrence Institute of Wisconsin.
1849
Classes began, and the name changed to Lawrence University.
1853
Main Hall, the oldest extant building, was constructed.
1874
The Lawrence Conservatory of Music was founded.
1894
Samuel G. Plantz began his 30-year presidency, quadrupling student enrollment to 800.
1913
Named Lawrence College to emphasize its small size and liberal arts education focus.
1929
The Institute of Paper Chemistry was founded in collaboration with local paper manufacturers.
1945
The First-year Studies program was initiated by President Nathan M. Pusey.
1964
Name returned to Lawrence University after merging with Milwaukee-Downer College.
1989
The Institute of Paper Chemistry moved to the Georgia Institute of Technology.
🏛️
179 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

2 notable schools within Lawrence University

⚖️

Lawrence Conservatory of Music

Founded in 1874, it is a renowned conservatory offering Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Musical Arts degrees.

🏫

Institute of Paper Chemistry

Established in 1929 as a collaboration with local paper manufacturers, it offered master's and doctoral degrees before moving to Atlanta in 1989.

Leadership

President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

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