Organizer Information
Lawrence University is a private undergraduate institution in Appleton, Wisconsin, United States. Its academic structure includes the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the Conservatory of Music. Students can pursue interdisciplinary study across the humanities, sciences, social sciences, fine arts, and music, with opportunities for faculty mentorship, research, creative practice, and performance.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Lawrence University
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Arts (BA); Bachelor of Music (BM); Bachelor of Musical Arts (BMA); BA/BM dual degree
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts, Studio Art, Film and Media, Art History, Music, Theatre, Humanities, Sciences, Social Sciences
- Relevant Programs: Studio Art; Film & Media; Art History; Music; Music Performance; Composition; Theatre Arts
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Multiple admission rounds for Fall 2027 entry
- Application Deadline: 1 November 2026–15 January 2027, depending on application round
- Start of Studies: Fall 2027
- Application Fee: Verify through the official application process
- Tuition: US$61,407 per academic year (2026–2027)
- Funding: Merit scholarships and need-based financial aid are available, subject to eligibility.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
Lawrence offers undergraduate study across academic and creative disciplines. Relevant options for artists and creative applicants include:
- Studio Art: Painting, drawing, printmaking, book arts, photography, new media, ceramics, and sculpture.
- Film & Media: Film, video, animation, new media, media history, criticism, and curation.
- Art History: Visual culture, art research, museum-related study, and exhibition curation.
- Music: Composition, performance, musicology, music education, sound design, and recording and production.
- Theatre Arts: Theatre-related academic and creative study.
Students can combine academic interests across disciplines. The Conservatory also offers specialized music study and performance pathways.
General Eligibility
- Lawrence accepts applications from domestic and international students seeking undergraduate admission. Applicants are evaluated in the context of their academic preparation, school curriculum, achievements, and individual circumstances.
- Applicants to the Conservatory must meet the additional requirements for their intended degree and musical discipline. Audition requirements apply to the Bachelor of Music degree, and composition applicants must also submit a portfolio.
Educational Background
First-year applicants should have completed appropriate secondary-school preparation. Lawrence identifies the following typical academic preparation:
- English: 4 years
- Mathematics: 3 years
- Social science: 3 years
- Natural science: 3 years
Applicants are encouraged to pursue rigorous coursework available at their schools. Transfer applicants are assessed under separate transfer procedures, including academic credit evaluation.
Language Requirements
English is the language of instruction. International applicants should review the university's current international application requirements for the applicable English-proficiency documentation and any exemption conditions. The university also provides English-language learning resources, including ESL tutoring and courses.
Application Fee
| Applicant category | Application fee |
|---|---|
| First-year applicants | Confirm in the official application process |
| Transfer applicants | Confirm in the applicable application process |
The published admissions information reviewed does not establish a verified application-fee amount, so no amount is stated here.
Tuition
| Cost | Per term | Per academic year |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | US$20,469 | US$61,407 |
| Student and sustainability fees | US$104 | US$312 |
| Housing — double room | US$2,349 | US$7,047 |
| Default meal plan | US$2,264 | US$6,792 |
| Comprehensive cost | US$25,186 | US$75,558 |
The comprehensive cost includes tuition, mandatory student fees, a double room, and the default meal plan. Housing and meal-plan charges vary by option. Books, course materials, transportation, and personal expenses are additional estimates. Tuition covers up to 22 units per term, subject to the university's overload policy and applicable exceptions.
Funding & Financial Support
Lawrence offers merit-based scholarships and need-based financial aid. International applicants are automatically considered for institutional merit scholarships and need-based assistance when admitted, according to the university's international admissions information. Need-based applicants must complete the university's Certification of Finances form and submit supporting financial documents within five days of the applicable application deadline.
University Services & Academic Support
Lawrence provides academic advising and faculty mentorship to help students plan their studies and develop interdisciplinary interests. Relevant resources for creative students include:
- Studio Art facilities: Art studios, digital labs, scanners, printers, and access to the MakerSpace.
- Film & Media facilities: Editing labs, animation suites, a photo studio, audio facilities, and analog film equipment.
- Art History opportunities: Research, internships, and opportunities to curate exhibitions using works from the Wriston Art Center collection.
- International student support: Immigration guidance, English-language learning resources, transition support, and the Summer Institute for International Students.
- Career and research support: Career services, faculty-guided research, and experiential learning opportunities.
Access to particular facilities and activities may depend on program participation, course requirements, and university policies.
Application Requirements
First-year applicants generally submit the following:
- Completed admission application.
- Official academic transcripts.
- One teacher recommendation letter.
ACT and SAT scores are optional and are not required for admission or scholarship consideration.
Additional requirements apply to specific pathways:
- Conservatory applicants: Additional Conservatory application requirements and an audition.
- Bachelor of Music applicants: An entrance audition is required.
- Composition applicants: A portfolio is also required.
- International applicants: Applicable international application documents and financial documentation for need-based aid.
Audition repertoire and submission requirements vary by musical discipline. Applicants should consult the relevant official program and admissions pages before submitting materials.
How to Apply?
Deadline & Timeline
Fall 2027 admission cycle
- Early Decision 1 / Early Decision: 1 November 2026
- Early Action — Conservatory applicants: 1 November 2026
- Early Action — General applicants: 1 December 2026
- Early Decision 2: 15 January 2027
- Regular Decision: 15 January 2027
- Early Decision 1 admission notification: 1 December 2026
- Early Action admission notification: 15 January 2027
- Early Decision 2 admission notification: 1 February 2027
- Regular Decision admission notification: 1 April 2027
Lawrence continues to accept applications after 15 January, although applicants should confirm availability and any applicable program-specific conditions.
Conservatory audition dates
- Early Decision 1 / Early Action recorded audition deadline: 13 November 2026
- Early Decision 1 / Early Action on-campus audition: 14 November 2026
- Early Decision 1 / Early Action audition registration deadline: 4 November 2026
- Regular Decision recorded audition deadline: 5 February 2027
- Regular Decision on-campus audition: 6 February 2027
- Additional Regular Decision on-campus audition: 20 February 2027
- Regular Decision audition registration deadline: 27 January 2027
Location
Lawrence University — Appleton, Wisconsin, United States
Additional Details
- Degree structure: Lawrence's principal degree pathways are undergraduate. The BA/BM dual-degree program combines liberal arts study with professional music training and is designed to be completed in five years.
- Conservatory restrictions: Early Decision 2 is not available for Conservatory degrees. Conservatory Early Action applicants must meet the earlier 1 November application deadline.
- International financial aid: International students seeking need-based assistance must submit the university's required financial documentation within five days of their application deadline.
- Application timing: Early Decision is binding. Applicants should understand the commitment before selecting this application round.
- Program verification: Portfolio, audition, and other creative-submission requirements are program-specific. Applicants should consult the official program page rather than assume that all art-related majors have the same requirements.