Lake Forest College
Lake Forest, Illinois
About Lake Forest College
A Legacy of Excellence and Innovation
Founded in 1857, Lake Forest College is an upper-level college serving students in Lake Forest, Illinois. With a tradition of academic excellence, Lake Forest College prepares graduates for success in Business, Biology, Social Sciences, and more.
A Diverse Community in Lake Forest
Students come from across the country and around the world, creating a campus culture rich in perspectives and experiences. Campus housing options foster community and connection among students. With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name and provide mentorship that extends beyond the classroom.
Commitment to Access and Affordability
Lake Forest College is committed to meeting full demonstrated financial need for admitted students. Families earning less than $30,000 per year typically pay $19,067, and those earning up to $48,000 contribute a portion of their income. This need-aware policy ensures that talent and drive matter more than bank accounts, opening doors for first-generation and low-income students.
Research That Shapes the World
Lake Forest College emphasizes hands-on learning, internships, and close faculty mentorship. Students gain practical experience through internships, research projects, and co-ops, preparing them for immediate career success or graduate study. The focus on undergraduate teaching means professors prioritize your growth and development.
Outcomes for Lake Forest College students
| Graduation rate (within 6 years) | 78% |
|---|---|
| Graduation rate (within 4 years) | 70% |
| First-year retention rate | 86% |
| Median earnings 8 years after enrolling | $58,610 |
| Median earnings 10 years after enrolling | $61,825 |
| Median debt at graduation | $26,158 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.
Students at Lake Forest College
| Total enrollment | 1,837 |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students | 1,814 |
| Graduate students | 23 |
| International students | 20% |
| First-generation students | 25% |
What you can study at Lake Forest College
42 programs, most of them in these fields:
Area Ethnic Cultural Gender Group Studies (5)
African-American/Black Studies, American/United States Studies/Civilization, Area Studies, Other, and more
Social Sciences (4)
International Relations and Affairs, Political Science and Government, General, Social Sciences, Other, and more
Visual and Performing Arts (4)
Art History, Criticism and Conservation, Art/Art Studies, General, Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General, and more
Biological and Biomedical Sciences (3)
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biology/Biological Sciences, General, Neuroscience
Business Management Marketing Support (3)
Business/Commerce, General, Business/Managerial Economics, Finance, General
Computer Information Sciences (3)
Computer and Information Sciences, Other, Computer Science, Data Analytics, Other
Mathematics and Statistics (3)
Econometrics and Quantitative Economics, Mathematics, General, Statistics, General
Education (2)
Education, General, Music Teacher Education
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