UChicago vs. Lawrence

Comparable Facts

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

University of Chicago is larger than Lawrence based on total student enrollment (18,566 students vs. 1,417 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Lawrence University is in Appleton, WI (Small City setting).
• University of Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lawrence University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Chicago 5:1; Lawrence University 7:1.

UChicago vs. Lawrence Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UChicago 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 UChicago ($27,161 vs. $28,060).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lawrence University are 39.5% lower than at University of Chicago ($12,165 vs. $20,109).
• University of Chicago is 24% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lawrence (about $13,680 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $56,982.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 24% higher at UChicago than at Lawrence University (about $13,680 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $56,982.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lawrence University than at University of Chicago (100% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Chicago students is 45.9% larger than aid received by Lawrence University students ($62,300 vs. $42,688).

UChicago vs. Lawrence Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, UChicago 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 UChicago.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Chicago (1550) is 240 points higher than at Lawrence (1310).
• Incoming UChicago 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: University of Chicago 1510/1580; Lawrence University 1200/1420.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 34/35; Lawrence University 24/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UChicago - Test optional; Lawrence - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Lawrence Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UChicago students have a 0.43 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at Lawrence (3.52).
• Lawrence has a higher acceptance rate (63.9%) than UChicago (4.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 88.3% at UChicago vs. 16.8% at Lawrence.

UChicago vs. Lawrence Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for UChicago 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).

• University of Chicago's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Lawrence University's (77%).
• Graduates from University of Chicago earn a median of about $52,900 more per year than Lawrence graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,500 vs. $45,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Chicago graduates have a $12,850 lower median loan debt than Lawrence graduates ($14,500 vs. $27,350).
• Among borrowers, UChicago graduates have an estimated $133 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lawrence graduates ($149 vs. $282).
• More UChicago graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lawrence students, three years after graduation. (86% 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.