Sewanee vs. Lawrence

Comparable Facts

Compare The University of the South in Sewanee, TN with Lawrence University in Appleton, WI on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

The University of the South is larger than Lawrence based on total student enrollment (1,724 students vs. 1,417 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• The University of the South is located in Sewanee, TN (Distant Rural setting); Lawrence University is in Appleton, WI (Small City setting).
• The University of the South is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lawrence University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: The University of the South 9:1; Lawrence University 7:1.

Sewanee vs. Lawrence Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Sewanee 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 Sewanee ($27,161 vs. $34,815).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lawrence University are 24.1% lower than at The University of the South ($12,165 vs. $16,028).
• Lawrence University is 1.5% more expensive for in-state tuition than Sewanee (about $862 more per year; $56,982.00 vs. $56,120.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 1.5% higher at Lawrence than at The University of the South (about $862 more per year; $56,982.00 vs. $56,120.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lawrence University than at The University of the South (100% vs. 98%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lawrence University students is 14.8% larger than aid received by The University of the South students ($42,688 vs. $37,171).

Sewanee vs. Lawrence Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Sewanee 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 Sewanee.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at The University of the South (1330) is 20 points higher than at Lawrence (1310).
• Incoming Sewanee students have a 2 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 27 at Lawrence).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of the South 1260/1390; Lawrence University 1200/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: The University of the South 27/31; Lawrence University 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Sewanee - Test optional; Lawrence - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Sewanee Feb 1, 2027; Lawrence Jan 15, 2027.
• Lawrence has a higher acceptance rate (63.9%) than Sewanee (56.9%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 17.9% at Sewanee vs. 16.8% at Lawrence.

Sewanee vs. Lawrence Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Sewanee 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).

• The University of the South's six-year graduation rate (86%) is higher than Lawrence University's (77%).
• Graduates from The University of the South earn a median of about $4,200 more per year than Lawrence graduates about ten years after starting college ($49,800 vs. $45,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, The University of the South graduates have a $8,350 lower median loan debt than Lawrence graduates ($19,000 vs. $27,350).
• Among borrowers, Sewanee graduates have an estimated $86 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lawrence graduates ($196 vs. $282).
• More Sewanee 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.