Lawrence Technological University (LTU)

Lawrence Technological University is a private, personally focused university providing students a rigorous, high-quality education–an education that pays off. The Brookings Institution ranks Lawrence Technological University fifth among U.S. colleges and universities for boosting graduates' earning potential. Payscale.com reports that salaries of LTU bachelor's graduates are in the top 11 percent nationally. Some 84 percent of students are employed or registered for graduate school by the date of their graduation, nearly double the national average.

The University, including its graduate programs, is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. In addition to its ranking by the Princeton Review, LTU placed in the top tier of U.S. News and World Report's 2021 America's Best Colleges rankings. Among other distinctions are Best Value Schools, Best Regional University in the Midwest, Best Undergraduate Engineering Programs, Top Schools for Game Design, and the designation as a Military Friendly School by G.I. Jobs.

LTU's student-faculty ratio is 11:1. Most undergraduate classes have 19 or fewer students, and less than 1 percent of the classes enroll more than 50. More than 1000 students live in University Housing. Women make up 31 percent of the student body, and 37 states and 50 nations are represented on campus.

More than 60 student clubs and organizations, including fraternities, sororities, honor societies, and student chapters of professional groups are active on campus and sponsor a variety of activities during the year. The Student Government sponsors and supports a variety of campus activities.

LTU features NAIA, ACHA, and USBC varsity and junior varsity athletics in men's and women's sports such as basketball, soccer, lacrosse, ice hockey, and tennis; as well as women's softball, and men's baseball and football. Students can also show their Blue Devil spirit on LTU's marching band and dance team. Intramural leagues and tournaments are active in 30 sports. Club sports include lacrosse, mixed martial arts, and biking. LTU's Don Ridler Field House is open to all students and features a fitness track, gymnasium, racquetball courts, game room, saunas, and weight and conditioning room.

"With having a small campus comes having a close-knit student body," and there is "a strong sense of community" where "everyone really looks out for each other." As one student says: "If you ask for help from any of your peers, you'll receive it or you'll solve the problem together." Despite its small size, this is a "group of diverse students who come from different backgrounds, race, and countries." Students do say that there is "a large percentage of commuters," but the school is working on changing that into a more "typical college on campus student body." Around half of students are athletes and many are also "a part of Greek life or a part-time on-campus job."

Most out-of-classroom socializing comes by way of clubs, intramural sports, and "a great array of organizations which allow for anyone to find their interest." At least once a week there is an activity hosted by a student organization "that is fun and interactive to attend," and for those who prefer to "often play games on our computers," the school also coaches across various esports. While there are also "some casual parties surrounding Greek life," on the whole, students here are busy with "lots of studying [and being] devoted to school and a career afterwards."

The Office of Career Services at Lawrence Tech offers a wide range of resources and personalized advising for students looking to prepare for their careers. While many undergrads take advantage of traditional professional development methods such as career fairs, resume workshops, and online job databases like Handshake and CareerQuest, Lawrence Tech also places a large emphasis on work-based learning where students enjoy “working with companies nearby [and] having an internship/Co-op.” As one enrollee notes, “Although not mandatory, a large number of students complete some type of career-related employment while in school.” Co-op assignments are full- or part-time work opportunities with companies in the nearby Southfield and Detroit areas and are especially relevant for students seeking engineering, construction management, or math and computer science careers. With its proximity to the heart of the U.S. automotive industry, many LTU professors bring an industry background to their classrooms as well, allowing students to learn what their prospective jobs “would really be like outside of school” without having to leave campus.