Lake Forest College vs. Union University

Comparable Facts

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

Union University is larger than Lake Forest College based on total student enrollment (2,713 students vs. 1,837 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lake Forest College is located in Lake Forest, IL (Large Suburban setting); Union University is in Jackson, TN (Small City setting).
• Lake Forest College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Union University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lake Forest College 13:1; Union University 9:1.

Lake Forest College vs. Union University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lake Forest College or Union 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 Union University than Lake Forest College ($28,452 vs. $31,225).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lake Forest College are 0.6% lower than at Union University ($12,700 vs. $12,780).
• Lake Forest College is 40.9% more expensive for in-state tuition than Union University (about $16,377 more per year; $56,402.00 vs. $40,025.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 40.9% higher at Lake Forest College than at Union University (about $16,377 more per year; $56,402.00 vs. $40,025.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Lake Forest College as at Union University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lake Forest College students is 31.6% larger than aid received by Union University students ($39,630 vs. $30,120).

Lake Forest College vs. Union University Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lake Forest College (1290) is 10 points higher than at Union University (1280).
• Incoming Lake Forest College students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 26 at Union University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lake Forest College 1190/1393; Union University 1160/1390.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lake Forest College 28/32; Union University 22/30.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lake Forest College - Test optional; Union University - Required.
• Typical fall application deadline: Lake Forest College Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Union University students have a 0.18 point higher average high school GPA (3.8) than students at Lake Forest College (3.62).
• Union University has a higher acceptance rate (60.4%) than Lake Forest College (56.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.6% at Lake Forest College vs. 30.1% at Union University.

Lake Forest College vs. Union University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lake Forest College and Union 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 Union University's (61%).
• Graduates from Lake Forest College earn a median of about $5,600 more per year than Union University graduates about ten years after starting college ($53,800 vs. $48,200), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Union University graduates have a $2,160 lower median loan debt than Lake Forest College graduates ($24,840 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Union University graduates have an estimated $23 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lake Forest College graduates ($256 vs. $279).
• More Lake Forest College graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Union University students, three years after graduation. (78% vs. 66%)

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.