UChicago vs. Lake Forest College

Comparable Facts

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

University of Chicago is larger than Lake Forest College based on total student enrollment (18,566 students vs. 1,837 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• University of Chicago is located in Chicago, IL (Large City setting); Lake Forest College is in Lake Forest, IL (Large Suburban setting).
• University of Chicago is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Lake Forest College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: University of Chicago 5:1; Lake Forest College 13:1.

UChicago vs. Lake Forest College Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, UChicago or Lake Forest College? 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 University of Chicago than Lake Forest College ($28,060 vs. $31,225).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lake Forest College are 36.8% lower than at University of Chicago ($12,700 vs. $20,109).
• University of Chicago is 25.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Lake Forest College (about $14,260 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $56,402.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 25.3% higher at UChicago than at Lake Forest College (about $14,260 more per year; $70,662.00 vs. $56,402.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lake Forest College than at University of Chicago (100% vs. 47%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by University of Chicago students is 57.2% larger than aid received by Lake Forest College students ($62,300 vs. $39,630).

UChicago vs. Lake Forest College Admissions comparison

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

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at University of Chicago (1550) is 260 points higher than at Lake Forest College (1290).
• Incoming UChicago students have a 4 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (34 vs. 30 at Lake Forest College).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 1510/1580; Lake Forest College 1190/1393.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: University of Chicago 34/35; Lake Forest College 28/32.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: UChicago - Test optional; Lake Forest College - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Lake Forest College Feb 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman UChicago students have a 0.33 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at Lake Forest College (3.62).
• Lake Forest College has a higher acceptance rate (56.8%) than UChicago (4.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 88.3% at UChicago vs. 13.6% at Lake Forest College.

UChicago vs. Lake Forest College Graduation Outcomes Comparison

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

• University of Chicago's six-year graduation rate (92%) is higher than Lake Forest College's (68%).
• Graduates from University of Chicago earn a median of about $44,700 more per year than Lake Forest College graduates about ten years after starting college ($98,500 vs. $53,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, University of Chicago graduates have a $12,500 lower median loan debt than Lake Forest College graduates ($14,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, UChicago graduates have an estimated $130 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lake Forest College graduates ($149 vs. $279).
• More UChicago 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.