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Lawrence University vs University of Wisconsin-Madison

Lawrence University is a private university in Appleton, WI. University of Wisconsin-Madison is a public university in Madison, WI. University of Wisconsin-Madison admits about 45% of applicants and Lawrence University about 64%, making University of Wisconsin-Madison the harder of the two to get into. Students pay an average of about $17,354 a year at University of Wisconsin-Madison after aid, and about $23,401 at Lawrence University. About 89% of students graduate at University of Wisconsin-Madison, compared with 77% at Lawrence University. Ten years after enrolling, University of Wisconsin-Madison alumni earn a median of about $73,792, against $55,789 for Lawrence University.

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Lawrence University

Appleton, WI · Private

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · Public
At a glance
Type
Private
Public
Location
Appleton, WI
Madison, WI
Setting
Urban
Urban
Undergraduates
1,396
36,902
Acceptance rate
64%
45%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.54–4
3.5–4
SAT (middle 50%)
1200–1420
1380–1520
ACT (middle 50%)
24–31
29–33
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$23,401
$17,354
Full cost / yr
$69,849
$28,679
In-state tuition
$56,982
$11,603
Out-of-state tuition
$56,982
$42,103
Application fee
$0
$70
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$10,419
$4,200
$30k - $48k
$13,332
$4,101
$48k - $75k
$15,020
$8,134
$75k - $110k
$20,256
$17,763
Over $110k
$32,758
$27,292
Outcomes
Graduation rate
77%
89%
Freshman retention
87%
96%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$40,653
$61,275
Median earnings (10 yr)
$55,789
$73,792
Median debt at graduation
$26,000
$20,484
Student body
Pell grant recipients
22%
16%
First-generation students
17%
17%
International students
11%
10%
Deadlines
Early decision
Nov 1
Not reported
Early action
Dec 1
Nov 1
Regular decision
Jan 15
Jan 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Lawrence University or University of Wisconsin-Madison harder to get into?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is harder to get into. It admits about 45% of applicants, compared with 64% at Lawrence University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Lawrence University or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is cheaper on average. Students pay about $17,354 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $23,401 at Lawrence University. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Lawrence University and University of Wisconsin-Madison?
Before aid, University of Wisconsin-Madison costs about $28,679 a year and Lawrence University about $69,849. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Lawrence University or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $4,200 there, against about $10,419 at Lawrence University. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Lawrence University or University of Wisconsin-Madison?
University of Wisconsin-Madison is the larger of the two, with about 36,902 undergraduates against 1,396 at Lawrence University.
Does Lawrence University or University of Wisconsin-Madison have a better graduation rate?
University of Wisconsin-Madison has the higher graduation rate, at about 89% against 77% at Lawrence University.
Do graduates of Lawrence University or University of Wisconsin-Madison earn more?
University of Wisconsin-Madison alumni earn more on average: a median of about $73,792 ten years after enrolling, against about $55,789 for Lawrence University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Lawrence University and University of Wisconsin-Madison require SAT or ACT scores?
Lawrence University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. University of Wisconsin-Madison is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Lawrence University and University of Wisconsin-Madison look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 1200–1420 at Lawrence University and 1380–1520 at University of Wisconsin-Madison. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

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