When considering colleges, it is crucial to compare and contrast the qualities and offerings of each institution to determine the best fit for a prospective student. This guide will provide an in-depth comparison between Lawrence University and Wheaton College, focusing on various aspects such as costs, tuition, admissions, academics, campus life, and more. By examining these factors, students can make an informed decision about which school will best meet their needs and goals.
Lawrence Overview
Lawrence University, founded in 1847, is a private liberal arts college and conservatory of music located in Appleton, Wisconsin. The university offers over 35 undergraduate majors, with a focus on interdisciplinary learning and collaboration between students and faculty. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, Lawrence provides personalized attention and strong support for its students throughout their academic journey.
Lawrence Costs & Tuition
The total cost of attendance at Lawrence University, including tuition, room, board, and fees, is approximately $59,000 per year. However, the university offers various financial aid options, including need-based scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students manage these costs. On average, Lawrence students receive $31,000 in financial aid per year, reducing the overall cost of attendance significantly.
Lawrence Admissions
Admission to Lawrence University is considered “moderately difficult,” with an acceptance rate of around 62%. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.60, and the median SAT and ACT scores are 1290 and 29, respectively. Lawrence requires applicants to submit either SAT or ACT scores, along with high school transcripts, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation.
Lawrence Degrees Offered
Lawrence University offers over 35 undergraduate majors across a wide range of disciplines, including natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and fine arts. Popular majors at Lawrence include biology, psychology, government, music, and theatre. In addition to these majors, students can also choose from a variety of interdisciplinary programs and minors to further customize their academic experience.
Lawrence Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 8:1, Lawrence University emphasizes close collaboration between students and faculty, fostering an environment where students can thrive academically and personally. The university’s curriculum is grounded in the liberal arts tradition, encouraging students to explore a wide range of subjects and develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Lawrence Diversity
Lawrence University is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive campus community. Approximately 25% of the student body identifies as a person of color, and 8% are international students. The university actively works to support students from diverse backgrounds, offering resources such as the Diversity Center and various affinity groups to help students build connections and find support.
Lawrence Students
The student body at Lawrence University is comprised of around 1,500 students, with a small-town feel and tight-knit community. Students are actively involved in over 100 clubs and organizations on campus, including academic, cultural, and recreational groups. The campus is also home to a vibrant arts scene, with numerous performances and exhibitions taking place throughout the year.
Lawrence Campus
Lawrence University’s picturesque campus spans 88 acres in Appleton, Wisconsin, offering a mix of historic and modern buildings. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including the Warch Campus Center, which houses dining services, a cinema, and various event spaces. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the campus’s proximity to the Fox River, allowing for easy access to kayaking, canoeing, and other recreational activities.
Lawrence Alumni
Lawrence University boasts a strong alumni network, with graduates finding success in a variety of fields, including business, education, science, and the arts. Notable alumni include Senator Ron Johnson, Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Jacqui Banaszynski, and composer Dominick Argento.
Lawrence Rankings
Lawrence University is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. U.S. News & World Report ranks Lawrence as the 61st best liberal arts college in the nation, while Forbes places it at 108th overall.
Lawrence Outcomes
Graduates of Lawrence University enjoy a high rate of success in their chosen fields. The university reports a 96% placement rate for its graduates, with 74% finding employment, 16% enrolling in graduate or professional school, and 6% pursuing other opportunities such as internships or volunteer work.
Wheaton College Overview
Wheaton College, founded in 1860, is a private evangelical liberal arts college located in Wheaton, Illinois. The college offers more than 40 undergraduate majors, with a strong focus on integrating Christian faith and learning. With a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, Wheaton students receive personalized attention and mentorship from faculty members throughout their academic journey.
Wheaton College Costs & Tuition
The total cost of attendance at Wheaton College, including tuition, room, board, and fees, is approximately $50,000 per year. However, the college offers a variety of financial aid options, such as scholarships, grants, and loans, to help students manage these costs. On average, Wheaton students receive $21,000 in financial aid per year, reducing their overall cost of attendance.
Wheaton College Admissions
Admission to Wheaton College is considered “moderately difficult,” with an acceptance rate of around 83%. The average high school GPA of admitted students is 3.85, and the median SAT and ACT scores are 1270 and 28, respectively. Wheaton requires applicants to submit either SAT or ACT scores, along with high school transcripts, a personal essay, and letters of recommendation.
Wheaton College Degrees Offered
Wheaton College offers more than 40 undergraduate majors across a wide range of disciplines, including natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, and fine arts. Popular majors at Wheaton include business/economics, psychology, biology, English, and communication. In addition to these majors, students can also choose from a variety of interdisciplinary programs and minors to further customize their academic experience.
Wheaton College Academics
With a student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1, Wheaton College emphasizes close collaboration between students and faculty, fostering an environment where students can grow academically and spiritually. The college’s curriculum is grounded in the liberal arts tradition, encouraging students to explore a wide range of subjects and develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills, all while integrating their Christian faith.
Wheaton College Diversity
Wheaton College is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive campus community. Approximately 23% of the student body identifies as a person of color, and 5% are international students. The college actively works to support students from diverse backgrounds, offering resources such as the Office of Multicultural Development, as well as various cultural and affinity groups.
Wheaton College Students
The student body at Wheaton College is comprised of around 2,400 students, with a strong sense of community and shared Christian values. Students are actively involved in more than 100 clubs and organizations on campus, including academic, service, and recreational groups. The campus is also home to a vibrant arts scene, with numerous performances and exhibitions taking place throughout the year.
Wheaton College Campus
Wheaton College’s beautiful campus spans 80 acres in the Chicago suburb of Wheaton, Illinois, offering a mix of historic and modern buildings. The campus features state-of-the-art facilities, including the Billy Graham Center, which houses a museum, conference center, and various ministries. The college’s location also provides easy access to the cultural and recreational opportunities of the nearby city of Chicago.
Wheaton College Alumni
Wheaton College has an extensive alumni network, with graduates finding success in various fields, including business, education, science, and ministry. Notable alumni include evangelist Billy Graham, former Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert, and author Philip Yancey.
Wheaton College Rankings
Wheaton College is consistently ranked among the top liberal arts colleges in the United States. U.S. News & World Report ranks Wheaton as the 58th best liberal arts college in the nation, while Forbes places it at 93rd overall.
Wheaton College Outcomes
Graduates of Wheaton College enjoy a high rate of success in their chosen fields. The college reports a 91% placement rate for its graduates, with 71% finding employment, 16% enrolling in graduate or professional school, and 4% pursuing other opportunities such as internships or volunteer work.
Lawrence vs Wheaton College Cost Comparison
When comparing the costs of attending Lawrence University and Wheaton College, it is essential to consider the total cost of attendance, including tuition, room, board, and fees. Lawrence has a higher total cost of attendance at approximately $59,000 per year, while Wheaton’s total cost is around $50,000 per year. However, both schools offer financial aid options, which can significantly reduce the overall cost. On average, Lawrence students receive more financial aid per year ($31,000) than Wheaton students ($21,000), potentially narrowing the gap in the overall cost of attendance between the two schools.
Lawrence vs Wheaton College Admissions Difficulty
Both Lawrence University and Wheaton College are considered to have “moderately difficult” admissions processes. Lawrence has a slightly lower acceptance rate (62%) compared to Wheaton (83%). However, the average high school GPA, SAT, and ACT scores of admitted students are relatively similar between the two schools. Lawrence’s median SAT and ACT scores are 1290 and 29, respectively, while Wheaton’s are 1270 and 28. Therefore, students with strong academic records should feel confident when applying to either school.
Lawrence vs Wheaton College Academic Difficulty
While both Lawrence and Wheaton offer challenging academic programs grounded in the liberal arts tradition, the level of academic difficulty at each school may vary depending on the specific major or program of study. Both schools emphasize close collaboration between students and faculty and provide personalized attention through low student-to-faculty ratios (8:1 for Lawrence and 11:1 for Wheaton). However, it is essential for prospective students to research the specific programs they are interested in at each school to determine which institution offers the best fit for their academic goals and interests.
Lawrence vs Wheaton College Outcome Comparison
Both Lawrence University and Wheaton College boast high placement rates for their graduates, indicating that students from both institutions find success in their chosen fields after graduation. Lawrence has a slightly higher placement rate at 96%, compared to Wheaton’s 91%. However, the breakdown of post-graduation outcomes is similar between the two schools, with the majority of graduates finding employment or enrolling in graduate or professional school. When comparing outcomes, students should consider factors such as personal fit, academic interests, and support resources available at each institution in addition to these statistics.
