Lawrence University vs. Haverford vs. St. Olaf

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Oof, that out of pocket for Haverford would be brutal. I think it's better than the other two, but THAT much better? No. Unless she has her heart set on it, which it sounds like she does not, I'd take it off the table.

Of the other two, I went to a different SLAC in Wisconsin and am familiar with both of them; I know several graduates from each. I would pick St. Olaf -- better (ish) location -- it's relatively close to a major international airport, at least compared to Appleton. Does she have any interest in or experience with music? St. Olaf has a strong music program, so that might be worth considering too.

They're similar, and both good schools. Congratulations to her!

I generally agree with this analysis. Haverford is the strongest of the three schools in most respects -- and certainly in econ. (Although certainly not in music, where St. Olaf, strong as it is, falls in behind Lawrence, which is truly outstanding.) But $120K over 4 years to go there instead of St. Olaf? When that $120K actually matters? Pass. St. Olaf is a good school with a strong econ department in a fine town -- all the makings of a great college experience. (Lawrence trails by a small gap in each respect -- I'd pay the extra $20K over 4 years for St. Olaf...but I also don't think it would be crazy to come out the other way on that question. I certainly wouldn't "force" her to attend St. Olaf if she preferred Lawrence in these circumstances.)

I second the congratulations!

Although I agree with this, in your shoes, OP, if your DD prefers St. Olaf, consider appealing the merit aid and requesting that they match the net price that Lawrence offers. The schools are similar enough that St. Olaf may agree to match it.

http://www.thecollegesolution.com/appealing-for-a-better-merit-award/

[Anonymous]

Lawrence. Appleton is not remote and it has the better music program. Both are well respected. The new President at Lawrence is from Princeton. I am sure he has come with good ideas and is forward thinking.

[Anonymous]

I'd visit St Olaf & Lawrence again before making final choice.

[Anonymous]

Lawrence U is in middle of much larger metro area than St. Olaf. (Appleton is 75,000 with metro population of about 250K; Northfield about 20,000). More opportunities for engagement, internships, community-based learning, etc. in Appleton area. Academically similar, but culturally different places. Lawrence more diverse student pop.

[Anonymous]

OP here. I saw Lawrence mentioned in a different thread so I decided to re-visit this one for an update: she'll be at Lawrence for the next four years and is very excited.

[Anonymous]

Well, at least Lawrence is the best school in Appleton. You can't really say that about St. Olaf and Northfield.

https://thefourthcrown.com/2014/07/26/st-olaf-college-recognized-as-second-best-college-in-northfield-mn/

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP here. I saw Lawrence mentioned in a different thread so I decided to re-visit this one for an update: she'll be at Lawrence for the next four years and is very excited.

Thanks for the update, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Well, at least Lawrence is the best school in Appleton. You can't really say that about St. Olaf and Northfield.

https://thefourthcrown.com/2014/07/26/st-olaf-college-recognized-as-second-best-college-in-northfield-mn/

I can't tell if you're serious.

[Anonymous]

Well, it's true.

But it's not serious.

St. Olaf (and Lawrence) are fine schools.

I'm just a Carleton troll.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe this is better suited toward the finance forum but I have stocks worth $100K to be sold to finance Haverford.

Curious to understand why she applied to Haverford if the question of whether you want to spend that kind of money for her to attend is not resolved.

because it would have been resolved if they gave her money.

If you get in everywhere, you didn't shoot high enough.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Maybe this is better suited toward the finance forum but I have stocks worth $100K to be sold to finance Haverford.

Curious to understand why she applied to Haverford if the question of whether you want to spend that kind of money for her to attend is not resolved.

because it would have been resolved if they gave her money.

If you get in everywhere, you didn't shoot high enough.

Haverford doesn't give merit aid.

[Anonymous]

DC investigated both Lawrence and St. Olaf (many prospective students do). There is a lot to love about both schools. Congrats!

[Anonymous]

OP, how does your daughter like Lawrence? I'm hoping to get my kid out there for a visit sometime this fall. She's really interested in the ability to double major in the conservatory and a non-music subject (probably either math or Econ).

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Haverford no question - Econ is a program that is massively helped by institutional prestige.

Not as much as history and ir but it isn't a hard science

Econ is a program massively helped by prestige?

Who know? Not me, with my top-10 econ PhD. What we econ people are really impressed with are undergrads who took the hard stuff in math and stats to supplement their econ.

I'd pick Lawrence. Good school, and your kid will have money available to take advantage of an unpaid summer internship or some time abroad. Or some help with Grad school.

We economists defined "opportunity cost" and I think the opportunity cost of Haverford could be substantial.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Haverford no question - Econ is a program that is massively helped by institutional prestige.

Not as much as history and ir but it isn't a hard science

Haverford has institutional prestige? Holton Arms and Sidwell Friends are far more well known.