Lake Forest College vs. Caldwell University

Comparable Facts

Compare Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, IL with Caldwell University in Caldwell, NJ on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Caldwell University is larger than Lake Forest College based on total student enrollment (2,005 students vs. 1,837 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lake Forest College is located in Lake Forest, IL (Large Suburban setting); Caldwell University is in Caldwell, NJ (Large Suburban setting).
• Lake Forest College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Caldwell University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lake Forest College 13:1; Caldwell University 12:1.

Lake Forest College vs. Caldwell University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lake Forest College or Caldwell University? 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 Caldwell University than Lake Forest College ($21,875 vs. $31,225).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lake Forest College are 10.5% lower than at Caldwell University ($12,700 vs. $14,188).
• Lake Forest College is 38.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Caldwell University (about $15,554 more per year; $56,402.00 vs. $40,848.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 38.1% higher at Lake Forest College than at Caldwell University (about $15,554 more per year; $56,402.00 vs. $40,848.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Lake Forest College as at Caldwell University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lake Forest College students is 22.5% larger than aid received by Caldwell University students ($39,630 vs. $32,340).

Lake Forest College vs. Caldwell University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lake Forest College or Caldwell University? 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 Caldwell University and Lake Forest College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lake Forest College (1290) is 40 points higher than at Caldwell University (1250).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lake Forest College 1190/1393; Caldwell University 1130/1370.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lake Forest College 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lake Forest College - Test optional; Caldwell University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Lake Forest College Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lake Forest College students have a 0.32 point higher average high school GPA (3.62) than students at Caldwell University (3.3).
• Caldwell University has a higher acceptance rate (71.3%) than Lake Forest College (56.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.6% at Lake Forest College vs. 8.5% at Caldwell University.

Lake Forest College vs. Caldwell University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lake Forest College and Caldwell University? 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).

• Lake Forest College's six-year graduation rate (68%) is higher than Caldwell University's (58%).
• Graduates from Lake Forest College earn a median of about $7,000 more per year than Caldwell University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,800 vs. $46,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Caldwell University graduates have a $1,250 lower median loan debt than Lake Forest College graduates ($25,750 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Caldwell University graduates have an estimated $13 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lake Forest College graduates ($266 vs. $279).
• More Lake Forest College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Caldwell University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 50%)

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.