When choosing which college to attend, it’s essential to carefully consider each institution’s offerings, costs, and overall fit. In this article, we’ll compare two schools: Baldwin Wallace University and Lawrence University. By examining key factors like tuition, campus life, and academic programs, we’ll help you make an informed decision between these two schools.
Baldwin Wallace Overview
Baldwin Wallace University is a private, liberal arts college located in Berea, Ohio. Established in 1845, the university offers undergraduate and graduate programs across various disciplines. With a student population of around 3,000, Baldwin Wallace provides a close-knit community and small class sizes, ensuring personalized attention from faculty members.
Baldwin Wallace Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Baldwin Wallace for the 2021-2022 academic year is $34,310 for both in-state and out-of-state students. Additional fees, including room and board and other expenses, can bring the total cost to around $50,000 per year. However, the university offers various grants, scholarships, and financial aid options to help alleviate the financial burden for students and their families.
Baldwin Wallace Admissions
Admission to Baldwin Wallace is moderately selective, with an acceptance rate of approximately 74%. Prospective students must submit their high school transcripts, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation. The university also requires either SAT or ACT scores, although they have a test-optional policy for students with a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Baldwin Wallace Degrees Offered
Baldwin Wallace offers more than 50 undergraduate majors and several graduate programs. Popular undergraduate areas of study include business administration, education, and music. The university is well-known for its strong music and theater programs, which have produced numerous successful performers and educators.
Baldwin Wallace Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, Baldwin Wallace emphasizes close collaboration between students and professors. The university is known for its experiential learning opportunities, including internships, study abroad programs, and undergraduate research projects.
Baldwin Wallace Diversity
Baldwin Wallace values diversity and inclusion, with a campus community representing various cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. The university provides numerous resources and support services to promote a welcoming and inclusive environment for all students.
Baldwin Wallace Students
Students at Baldwin Wallace enjoy a vibrant campus life, with over 100 clubs and organizations to join. Greek life is also a part of the campus experience, with several fraternities and sororities present. The university has a strong athletic program, with teams competing in the NCAA Division III Ohio Athletic Conference.
Baldwin Wallace Campus
The Baldwin Wallace campus sits on 125 acres in Berea, Ohio, just outside of Cleveland. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, with state-of-the-art facilities for academics, athletics, and the arts. Students have access to numerous resources, such as the Ritter Library, and recreational spaces, including the Lou Higgins Center and George Finnie Stadium.
Baldwin Wallace Alumni
Notable Baldwin Wallace alumni include entrepreneur and philanthropist James M. Cox, musician Joe Lovano, and actress Jen Toohey. The university’s alumni network is strong and supportive, providing students with valuable connections and resources for career development and growth.
Baldwin Wallace Rankings
Baldwin Wallace is ranked #14 in Regional Universities Midwest by U.S. News & World Report and #7 in Best Value Schools. The university also ranks highly in other categories, such as Best Colleges for Veterans and Best Undergraduate Teaching.
Baldwin Wallace Outcomes
Graduates of Baldwin Wallace enjoy strong job placement rates, with 96% of graduates being employed or seeking further education within six months of graduation. The university’s focus on experiential learning and professional development prepares students for successful careers in their chosen fields.
Lawrence Overview
Lawrence University is a private liberal arts college and conservatory of music located in Appleton, Wisconsin. Founded in 1847, Lawrence offers a range of undergraduate programs in the liberal arts and sciences, as well as music. The campus is home to around 1,500 students, providing a close-knit community and small class sizes.
Lawrence Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Lawrence for the 2021-2022 academic year is $50,370, with additional costs for room and board and other expenses bringing the total to around $64,000 per year. However, Lawrence offers a comprehensive financial aid program, including need-based grants, merit scholarships, and work-study opportunities to help offset costs for students and their families.
Lawrence Admissions
Admission to Lawrence is competitive, with an acceptance rate of around 62%. Prospective students must submit high school transcripts, an essay, and letters of recommendation. SAT or ACT scores are optional for applicants. Lawrence also has an Early Decision program for students who consider Lawrence their top choice.
Lawrence Degrees Offered
Lawrence offers over 40 majors and minors in the liberal arts, alongside a robust music program at the Lawrence Conservatory of Music. Popular areas of study include biology, psychology, and economics, as well as music performance and music education.
Lawrence Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, Lawrence values close collaboration between students and faculty, with an emphasis on individualized instruction and mentorship. Lawrence’s unique Freshman Studies program exposes students to a range of academic disciplines, helping them develop critical thinking and communication skills.
Lawrence Diversity
Lawrence University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive campus community. The university offers numerous resources and support services to promote inclusivity and to celebrate the various cultures, identities, and experiences within its student body.
Lawrence Students
Students at Lawrence can participate in over 100 clubs and organizations, including special interest clubs, cultural groups, and service organizations. Greek life is also present on campus, with several fraternities and sororities available for students to join. The university’s athletics program competes in the NCAA Division III Midwest Conference.
Lawrence Campus
The Lawrence campus encompasses 84 acres in downtown Appleton, with a mix of historic and modern buildings. The campus is home to state-of-the-art facilities, such as the Warch Campus Center and the Banta Bowl, as well as the renowned Lawrence Conservatory of Music.
Lawrence Alumni
Prominent Lawrence alumni include U.S. Senator Ron Johnson, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Hedrick Smith, and opera singer Kitt Reuter-Foss. The Lawrence alumni network is active and engaged, offering support and resources for current students and recent graduates.
Lawrence Rankings
Lawrence University is ranked #61 in National Liberal Arts Colleges by U.S. News & World Report and #26 in Best Value Schools. The conservatory is also nationally recognized for its music program and has received accolades for its opera productions.
Lawrence Outcomes
Lawrence graduates enjoy strong outcomes, with 93% of graduates employed or pursuing further education within six months of graduation. The university’s focus on interdisciplinary learning and real-world experiences helps prepare students for success in their chosen fields.
Baldwin Wallace vs Lawrence Cost Comparison
While both Baldwin Wallace and Lawrence offer financial aid options to help offset costs, there is a significant difference in tuition. Baldwin Wallace’s tuition is $34,310, while Lawrence’s is $50,370. When factoring in additional expenses, such as room and board, the total cost of attendance is around $50,000 per year at Baldwin Wallace and $64,000 at Lawrence. While both schools offer financial aid packages, it’s essential for prospective students to carefully consider their financial situation when choosing between these two institutions.
Baldwin Wallace vs Lawrence Admissions Difficulty
Admission to both Baldwin Wallace and Lawrence is selective, with acceptance rates of 74% and 62%, respectively. Baldwin Wallace has a test-optional policy for students with a high school GPA of 3.0 or higher, while Lawrence does not require standardized test scores. Both schools require high school transcripts, essays, and letters of recommendation. Prospective students should consider their academic profile and the schools’ admission requirements when deciding where to apply.
Baldwin Wallace vs Lawrence Academic Difficulty
Both Baldwin Wallace and Lawrence emphasize small class sizes, with student-to-faculty ratios of 11:1 and 8:1, respectively. This allows for individualized instruction and close collaboration between students and professors. While both schools offer a range of undergraduate programs, Baldwin Wallace is known for its strong music and theater programs, while Lawrence offers a robust liberal arts education alongside its renowned conservatory.
Baldwin Wallace vs Lawrence Outcome Comparison
Graduates of both Baldwin Wallace and Lawrence see strong outcomes in terms of employment and further education. Baldwin Wallace boasts a 96% success rate, while Lawrence has a 93% rate. Both schools offer experiential learning opportunities, internships, and resources to help prepare students for successful careers in their chosen fields.
In conclusion, the decision between Baldwin Wallace and Lawrence ultimately depends on a student’s academic interests, financial situation, and personal preferences. Both schools offer unique advantages and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Carefully weighing these factors will help prospective students make the best choice for their future.