Lake Forest College vs. Cedarville University

Comparable Facts

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

Cedarville University is larger than Lake Forest College based on total student enrollment (6,318 students vs. 1,837 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lake Forest College is located in Lake Forest, IL (Large Suburban setting); Cedarville University is in Cedarville, OH (Town Fringe setting).
• Lake Forest College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Cedarville University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lake Forest College 13:1; Cedarville University 14:1.

Lake Forest College vs. Cedarville University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lake Forest College or Cedarville 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 Cedarville University than Lake Forest College ($27,150 vs. $31,225).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Cedarville University are 24.6% lower than at Lake Forest College ($9,574 vs. $12,700).
• Lake Forest College is 51.8% more expensive for in-state tuition than Cedarville University (about $19,252 more per year; $56,402.00 vs. $37,150.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 51.8% higher at Lake Forest College than at Cedarville University (about $19,252 more per year; $56,402.00 vs. $37,150.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Lake Forest College as at Cedarville University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lake Forest College students is 78.7% larger than aid received by Cedarville University students ($39,630 vs. $22,177).

Lake Forest College vs. Cedarville University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lake Forest College (1290) is 40 points higher than at Cedarville University (1250).
• Incoming Lake Forest College students have a 5 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 25 at Cedarville University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lake Forest College 1190/1393; Cedarville University 1130/1360.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lake Forest College 28/32; Cedarville University 22/29.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lake Forest College - Test optional; Cedarville University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Lake Forest College Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Cedarville University students have a 0.28 point higher average high school GPA (3.9) than students at Lake Forest College (3.62).
• Cedarville University has a higher acceptance rate (65.3%) than Lake Forest College (56.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.6% at Lake Forest College vs. 34% at Cedarville University.

Lake Forest College vs. Cedarville University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lake Forest College and Cedarville 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).

• The graduation rate at Lake Forest College is the same as at Cedarville University (68% vs. 68%).
• Graduates from Lake Forest College earn a median of about $7,900 more per year than Cedarville University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,800 vs. $45,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Cedarville University graduates have a $4,500 lower median loan debt than Lake Forest College graduates ($22,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Cedarville University graduates have an estimated $47 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lake Forest College graduates ($232 vs. $279).
• More Cedarville University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lake Forest College students, three years after graduation. (86% vs. 78%)

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.