Overview
Enrollment
Best Colleges Rank
| Location | Lake Forest, Illinois |
| Online | lakeforest.edu |
| School Type | Private 4 Year |
| Setting | Large Suburban |
| Size | Small |
| Status | Non-profit |
| On Campus Housing | Yes |
| Level of Study | Undergrad/Graduate |
Lake Forest College, founded in 1857, is a private liberal arts institution situated on a 107-acre campus in Lake Forest, Illinois, approximately 30 miles north of Chicago. The campus showcases Gothic Revival architecture amidst wooded landscapes and Victorian-era mansions. This institution enrolls a diverse study body and offers a range of undergraduate programs, with a noted emphasis on majors such as Business, Communications, and Psychology. Lake Forest is known for its broad liberal arts curriculum and emphasis on experiential learning opportunities. Though the college maintains a selective admissions process, it is recognized for providing a personalized approach to education, including small class sizes and a low student-to-faculty ratio. On-campus residential facilities house a significant portion of the student body, facilitating a close-knit living and learning community. Lake Forest College does not emphasize its athletic programs as a primary feature, focusing instead on academic and extracurricular student engagement.
In the most recent statistical year 4,665 prospective students applied, and 2,786 were granted admission. Of those admitted 445 enrolled in the school. 1,698 students are enrolled on a full time basis, and 55 attend part time. In-state tuition for 2022/2023, excluding room and board, is $52,000 plus fees of $902. Lake Forest College is ranked 267 nationally in the CollegeSimply.com 2024 U.S. Colleges Ranking.
Ratings
Overall
Academics
Resources
Outcomes
Value
Lake Forest College is rated within the top 34% of four-year colleges nationally and earns a CollegeSimply grade of 7 out of 10. Learn how ratings are calculated
Rankings
Rankings for Lake Forest College within the 2024 CollegeSimply Best Colleges Lists.
#267 in Best Colleges in the U.S.
#199 in Best Private Colleges in the U.S.
#12 in Best Colleges in Illinois
#10 in Best Private Colleges in Illinois
#164 in Best Value Colleges in the U.S.
#14 in Best Value Colleges in Illinois
View the CollegeSimply ranking methodology.
Getting In
Admission Standards
| SAT | 1153/1340 |
| ACT | 26/31 |
| GPA | 3.62 |
Applications Accepted
| Applications Due | Feb 15, 2025 |
| Applicant Competition | Average |
| Application Fee | $0 |
Annual Cost to Attend
Tuition
| Fee | Cost |
|---|---|
| Books and Supplies | $1,140 |
| Other Fees | $902 |
| Room and Board | $11,898 |
| Budget for Other Expenses | $2,860 |
| Total One Year Cost | $68,800 |
Outcomes
Average Salary After 10 Years
Bachelor's Degree Graduation Rate
Popular Areas of Study
| Subject | Percent of Class |
|---|---|
| Social Sciences | 27% |
| Business | 9% |
| Communication | 9% |
| English and Literature | 8% |
| Foreign Languages | 8% |
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Questions and Answers
CollegeSimply Advisor posts about Lake Forest College.
Primary data source, U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov/collegenavigator/?id=146481 IPEDS survey data for Lake Forest College.
Current students may use the Lake Forest College GPA calculator to determine their current college GPA.
Last updated February 24, 2024