Unparalleled interaction with professors
Many private colleges offer small student-to-faculty ratios and class sizes. In that regard, we’re no different: Lawrence University’s student-to-faculty ratio is 9:1; the average class size is 15 students. Of the nearly 1,800 courses Lawrence offered last year, over 800 had total enrollments of only one student. By the time they graduate, 90 percent of students will have had at least one class in which they were the only student. As your academic interests sharpen in a particular area, you can pursue them more deeply through one-on-one tutorials, independent studies, or individual research.
A diverse experience for a diverse world
More than 1,400 students come from 43 states and more than 50 countries to enjoy Lawrence University’s unique blend of academic and extracurricular offerings. Only a third of our students are from Wisconsin, with the rest of our population coming from diverse geographic and cultural backgrounds. Twelve percent of our student population is international, making Lawrence one of the nation’s most internationally diverse colleges. Beyond the numbers, Lawrence is a place where different views and values are treated with respect. You’ll be able to learn among students who look, think, and act very much like you do — and many more who don’t.
With more than 30 academic majors through the Bachelor of Arts degree program and three majors in the Bachelor of Music degree program, Lawrence offers you a wide variety of opportunities in one place. The Lawrence University Conservatory of Music is the only conservatory within a nationally-recognized college of the liberal arts and sciences devoted exclusively to the education of undergraduates.
Accessible and affordable
Lawrence considers the strength of each applicant’s course of study, grades, standardized test scores (if submitted), recommendations, and extracurricular activities. For students interested in majoring in music, an audition is also required in order to assess musical abilities along with academic potential.
International students who are not U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents and who seek financial assistance are considered only under the Regular Decision option. We strongly encourage international students to complete their applications as early as possible. While Lawrence does not require ACT and/or SAT results from domestic applicants, we do require the ACT, SAT, TOEFL (minimum score 575 [paper], 233 [computer], or 90 [internet]) or IELTS (minimum overall band score 6.5) from international applicants for whom English is not their first language.
Lawrence has made a commitment to internationalism through financial aid for international students. We provide substantial gift aid (a combination of merit and need-based) to a majority of our international students.
Outside the classroom
International students and U.S. citizens from abroad are invited to join Lawrence International (LI) when they arrive. Founded in 1976 by Yiannakis Manoli, a physics and mathematics major from Cyprus, LI is a very active organization. The group’s largest event is the annual International Cabaret, and the entire Appleton community is invited to attend. One of the most anticipated Lawrence traditions, Cabaret includes music, dance, food, and displays from cultures around the world. Recent Cabaret themes have included “Welcome to the World,” “Embracing Unity,” and “Expand Your Horizons.”
Supporting international students
International Student Services (ISS) supports all international students at Lawrence. The coordinator is available to assist with academic, personal, or visarelated questions. ISS also manages the Friendship Family Program, which places interested students with local families to share cross-cultural experiences.
International House, where ISS is located, serves as a hub for student activity. In the afternoons and evenings, groups of students study in the large dining room, cook food from home in the kitchen, and watch international television programs in the lounge. International House also has space available for Muslim prayer.
A unique perspective:– U.S. citizens abroad
If you are a U.S. citizen, yet have lived most — if not all — of your life overseas, we recognize that you have a unique perspective. Many Third Culture Kids (TCKs) are active in Lawrence International and other internationally focused student groups. They find themselves at home within the international student community, as well as the greater Lawrence community. While not required, TCKs are invited to attend International Orientation before the start of September classes.
Testimonials
I am glad I came to a small liberal arts university where I received closer attention in class and had the convenience of participating in class discussions. Although I knew what I wanted to pursue in the future, Lawrence gave me the chance of liberating myself through studying economics, arts, music, government, and many more subjects apart from my major field of study.
— Shashima Nakahara ’05
Hiroshima, Japan, and Dharamsala, India
After Lawrence: University of Wisconsin-Madison graduate student, biochemistry
Lawrence has offered me a friendly, social community as well as a variety of co-curricular activities and volunteer opportunities that have nurtured me, unearthed my scholastic and leadership potential, and made me more confident each day.
— Benjamin Glover ’08
Accra, Ghana
