Denison vs. Lawrence

Comparable Facts

Compare Denison University in Granville, OH with Lawrence University in Appleton, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Denison University is larger than Lawrence based on total student enrollment (2,394 students vs. 1,417 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Denison University is located in Granville, OH (Rural Fringe setting); Lawrence University is in Appleton, WI (Small City setting).
• Denison University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lawrence University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Denison University 9:1; Lawrence University 7:1.

Denison vs. Lawrence Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Denison or Lawrence? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Lawrence University than Denison ($27,161 vs. $43,721).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lawrence University are 25.8% lower than at Denison University ($12,165 vs. $16,400).
• Denison University is 17.6% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lawrence (about $10,018 more per year; $67,000.00 vs. $56,982.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 17.6% higher at Denison than at Lawrence University (about $10,018 more per year; $67,000.00 vs. $56,982.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lawrence University than at Denison University (100% vs. 94%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lawrence University students is 11.8% larger than aid received by Denison University students ($42,688 vs. $38,179).

Denison vs. Lawrence Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Denison or Lawrence? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Lawrence and Denison.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Denison University (1410) is 100 points higher than at Lawrence (1310).
• Incoming Denison students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (31 vs. 27 at Lawrence).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Denison University 1320/1490; Lawrence University 1200/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Denison University 30/33; Lawrence University 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Denison - Test optional; Lawrence - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Denison Jan 15, 2027; Lawrence Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Denison students have a 0.24 point higher average high school GPA (3.76) than students at Lawrence (3.52).
• Lawrence has a higher acceptance rate (63.9%) than Denison (17.4%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 23.8% at Denison vs. 16.8% at Lawrence.

Denison vs. Lawrence Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Denison and Lawrence? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Denison University's six-year graduation rate (79%) is higher than Lawrence University's (77%).
• Graduates from Denison University earn a median of about $10,500 more per year than Lawrence graduates about ten years after starting college ($56,100 vs. $45,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Denison University graduates have a $1,350 lower median loan debt than Lawrence graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,350).
• Among borrowers, Denison graduates have an estimated $14 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lawrence graduates ($268 vs. $282).
• More Denison graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lawrence students, three years after graduation. (83% vs. 76%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.