Here at Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ, we speak of light often. Light, illumination, brilliance. The concept comes from the motto on our seal: Light! More Light! Veritas est lux. Truth is light.

Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ’s 1,500 students come from nearly every state and 40 countries and share their light in an engaged—and engaging—community. Whether they choose to study in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences or the Conservatory of Music, both dedicated exclusively to undergraduate education, Lawrentians find a welcoming community of scholars and artists. And with one of the smallest student-faculty ratios in the country (8:1), they have unparalleled opportunities to collaborate closely with professors. We are committed to challenging and illuminating educational experiences that give students the knowledge and tools to identify their passion, find their light, and impact the world.

Historical photo of Main Hall Cupola decorated for homecoming

Excellence & Integrity 

Since its founding in 1847, Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ has pursued excellence and integrity in all endeavors. We live this mission every day as we help our students seek the light of knowledge and understanding. It informs our values as we strive to become a more diverse, welcoming, and sustainable community.

Learn more about our Mission & Values
Laurie Carter sitting on a blue chair

Our Leadership

A strategic and dedicated leader in higher education, President Laurie A. Carter joined the Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ community in July 2021 as the university’s 17th president. Along with her President’s Cabinet and Board of Trustees, she oversees Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ’s mission and goals.

Meet Our Leaders
Aerial drone photo of Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ and Appleton
Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ History

Providing a transformative education for 175 years

1st

Co-educational school in Wisconsin 

88

Acres along the beautiful Fox River

1874

Year the Conservatory of Music was founded 

Explore more Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ history
Students work with chemistry professor Stefan Gebbert in class.

Awards, Rankings, & Recognition

From Best Undergraduate Teaching to Grateful Grads and awards and honors, we are proud of the transformative and illuminating education and experiences Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ provides its students.

See What Experts Say about LU
Band performing during Appleton's summer concert series

Appleton & the Fox Cities  

With a vibrant performing arts community, easy access to rivers and trails, and one of the nation’s most beloved sports teams (think green and gold) less than an hour away, Appleton is the cultural and commercial heart of the Fox Cities. 

Learn more about Appleton
Student vocalist performs at LUaRoo

Who We Are 

We are curious and creative. We are welcoming and supportive. We are students, faculty, staff, and alumni. We are Lawrentians. Our collective experiences showcase the best of our vibrant and engaging community.

Get to know Lawrentians
Image of a mortar board with text that reads, "the adventures start now"

Live the Life You Love

Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ graduates seek fulfilling employment, enroll in top graduate and professional programs, and pursue impactful service work. They also join an alumni network of 20,000 Lawrentians as they continue their journey of professional and personal fulfillment.   

Learn more about Life after Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ
The Warch Campus Center and Sage Hall stick out among the changing fall colors along the Fox River at sunset

Getting to Campus

Whether you are coming to campus to attend a Conservatory concert or cheer on the Vikings, returning after summer break, or visiting for the first time, Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ is easily accessible no matter where you call home.

Plan your trip to campus

Our virtual tour gives you a window into the world of Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ... all on your own schedule. 

Learn More Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ

More Campus News

Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

NASM Accredited logo

Ñî¹óåú´«Ã½ÊÓƵ is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Music (), the national accreditation agency for music and music-related disciplines.