Northwestern vs. Lawrence

Comparable Facts

Compare Northwestern University in Evanston, IL with Lawrence University in Appleton, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Northwestern University is larger than Lawrence based on total student enrollment (23,856 students vs. 1,417 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Northwestern University is located in Evanston, IL (Small City setting); Lawrence University is in Appleton, WI (Small City setting).
• Northwestern University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lawrence University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Northwestern University 6:1; Lawrence University 7:1.

Northwestern vs. Lawrence Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Northwestern 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 Northwestern University than Lawrence ($26,830 vs. $27,161).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lawrence University are 42.4% lower than at Northwestern University ($12,165 vs. $21,126).
• Northwestern University is 19.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lawrence (about $11,340 more per year; $68,322.00 vs. $56,982.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 19.9% higher at Northwestern than at Lawrence University (about $11,340 more per year; $68,322.00 vs. $56,982.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lawrence University than at Northwestern University (100% vs. 53%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Northwestern University students is 50.9% larger than aid received by Lawrence University students ($64,429 vs. $42,688).

Northwestern vs. Lawrence Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Northwestern 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 Northwestern.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Northwestern University (1540) is 230 points higher than at Lawrence (1310).
• Incoming Northwestern students have a 7 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 27 at Lawrence).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern University 1510/1570; Lawrence University 1200/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Northwestern University 33/35; Lawrence University 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Northwestern - Test optional; Lawrence - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Northwestern Jan 1, 2027; Lawrence Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Northwestern students have a 0.4 point higher average high school GPA (3.92) than students at Lawrence (3.52).
• Lawrence has a higher acceptance rate (63.9%) than Northwestern (7.7%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 55.3% at Northwestern vs. 16.8% at Lawrence.

Northwestern vs. Lawrence Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Northwestern 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).

• Northwestern University's six-year graduation rate (94%) is higher than Lawrence University's (77%).
• Graduates from Northwestern University earn a median of about $44,200 more per year than Lawrence graduates about ten years after starting college ($89,800 vs. $45,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Northwestern University graduates have a $7,972 lower median loan debt than Lawrence graduates ($19,378 vs. $27,350).
• Among borrowers, Northwestern graduates have an estimated $82 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lawrence graduates ($200 vs. $282).
• More Northwestern graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lawrence students, three years after graduation. (87% 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.