When choosing a college, it is crucial to compare and contrast the various factors that make each institution unique. In this article, we will be comparing two liberal arts colleges: Lawrence University and the College of Wooster. We will explore their costs, admissions, academics, campus life, and outcomes to help you make an informed decision about which school is right for you.
Lawrence Overview
Lawrence University is a private liberal arts college located in Appleton, Wisconsin. Founded in 1847, it has a long history of providing a strong liberal arts education to its students. Lawrence offers a variety of programs, such as music, science, and humanities, to its roughly 1,500 undergraduate students.
Lawrence Costs & Tuition
Tuition at Lawrence University is currently $49,122 per year, with an additional cost of $12,728 for room and board. The average financial aid package provided by the school is approximately $32,000 per year, which can significantly reduce the overall cost for students.
Lawrence Admissions
Admission to Lawrence University is considered competitive, with an acceptance rate of 62%. The average high school GPA of incoming students is 3.6, and the middle 50% of SAT scores range from 1200 to 1380. In addition to academic performance, Lawrence looks for candidates who demonstrate leadership, creativity, and a commitment to community service.
Lawrence Degrees Offered
Lawrence University offers Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Music degrees, with over 40 majors and minors to choose from. Popular majors include Biology, Psychology, Economics, Music, and English.
Lawrence Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, Lawrence ensures that students receive personalized attention and support from their professors. The average class size is 15, allowing for engaging discussions and close relationships between students and faculty.
Lawrence Diversity
Lawrence University has a diverse student body, with 20% of students identifying as a race or ethnicity other than white. The school also has a strong commitment to promoting inclusivity and fostering a sense of belonging among its students, faculty, and staff.
Lawrence Students
Students at Lawrence University are known for their creative and intellectual curiosity. The campus offers numerous opportunities for students to engage in research, internships, and study abroad programs to enhance their educational experience.
Lawrence Campus
Lawrence University’s picturesque campus is located in Appleton, Wisconsin, a small and vibrant city with a population of around 74,000. The campus is home to numerous historic buildings, modern facilities, and beautiful green spaces for students to enjoy.
Lawrence Alumni
Lawrence University has a strong alumni network, with graduates going on to pursue careers in a variety of fields, such as education, business, and the arts. Notable alumni include former U.S. Senator Russ Feingold, Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Dominick Argento, and Emmy-nominated actress Stephanie D’Abruzzo.
Lawrence Rankings
Lawrence University is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. In the 2021 edition of the U.S. News & World Report, Lawrence was ranked #63 among National Liberal Arts Colleges.
Lawrence Outcomes
Graduates of Lawrence University have a strong track record of success, with 96% of graduates employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Lawrence graduates is $44,000.
Wooster Overview
The College of Wooster is a private liberal arts college located in Wooster, Ohio. Founded in 1866, Wooster is known for its Independent Study program, which requires all students to complete a senior research project under the guidance of a faculty mentor. The college has an enrollment of approximately 2,000 undergraduate students.
Wooster Costs & Tuition
Tuition at the College of Wooster is currently $52,000 per year, with an additional cost of $12,400 for room and board. The average financial aid package provided by the school is approximately $34,000 per year, which can help to offset the cost of attendance for many students.
Wooster Admissions
Admission to the College of Wooster is selective, with an acceptance rate of 54%. The average high school GPA of incoming students is 3.7, and the middle 50% of SAT scores range from 1170 to 1360. Wooster looks for well-rounded applicants who have demonstrated academic excellence, involvement in extracurricular activities, and a commitment to community service.
Wooster Degrees Offered
The College of Wooster offers Bachelor of Arts degrees in over 50 majors and minors. Popular majors include Psychology, Biology, English, History, and Political Science.
Wooster Academics
Wooster has a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, providing students with ample opportunities to collaborate with faculty on research projects and receive personalized attention. The average class size is 17, fostering a close-knit learning environment.
Wooster Diversity
The College of Wooster boasts a diverse student body, with 26% of students identifying as a race or ethnicity other than white. The college is committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive campus community for all students.
Wooster Students
Wooster students are intellectually curious and actively engaged in their academic pursuits. The college offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including sports, clubs, and service organizations, to enrich the student experience.
Wooster Campus
The College of Wooster’s charming campus is situated on 240 acres in the city of Wooster, Ohio. The campus features a mix of historic and modern buildings, as well as ample green spaces for students to enjoy.
Wooster Alumni
Wooster’s alumni network includes notable figures such as entrepreneur and philanthropist L. Gordon Moore, Pulitzer Prize-winning author Annie Dillard, and former U.S. Senator Howard Metzenbaum.
Wooster Rankings
The College of Wooster is consistently ranked among the best liberal arts colleges in the nation. In the 2021 edition of the U.S. News & World Report, Wooster was ranked #69 among National Liberal Arts Colleges.
Wooster Outcomes
Graduates of the College of Wooster have a 93% success rate, with the majority of graduates either employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation. The average starting salary for Wooster graduates is $42,000.
Lawrence vs Wooster Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Lawrence University and the College of Wooster, both schools have similar tuition rates, with Lawrence’s tuition being $49,122 and Wooster’s tuition being $52,000. However, the average financial aid package provided by Wooster is slightly higher at $34,000, compared to Lawrence’s $32,000. This can help to offset the overall cost of attendance for many students.
Lawrence vs Wooster Admissions Difficulty
Both Lawrence University and the College of Wooster have competitive admissions processes, with Lawrence having an acceptance rate of 62% and Wooster having an acceptance rate of 54%. While both schools look for well-rounded applicants who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to community service, Wooster’s admissions process may be slightly more selective due to its lower acceptance rate.
Lawrence vs Wooster Academic Difficulty
Both Lawrence University and the College of Wooster offer rigorous academic programs and boast low student-to-faculty ratios, ensuring that students receive personalized attention and support from their professors. While Lawrence has a slightly lower student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1 compared to Wooster’s 11:1, both schools offer challenging academic environments that foster intellectual growth and curiosity.
Lawrence vs Wooster Outcome Comparison
Graduates of both Lawrence University and the College of Wooster have strong outcomes, with Lawrence having a 96% success rate and Wooster having a 93% success rate. The average starting salary for Lawrence graduates is $44,000, while the average starting salary for Wooster graduates is $42,000. Both schools have notable alumni in various fields, further demonstrating the quality of the education provided by each institution.
