About Lake Forest College
Students pay an average net price of $27,499 after financial aid, less than the $54,202 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $61,825 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $26,158 manageable with monthly payments of $277. The college's strong alumni network in Chicago's business and entertainment circles helps justify the investment, especially given the 93% employment rate after graduation.
The 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in small classes typical of top liberal arts education. With 484 student athletes competing in 23 Division III sports as the Foresters, nearly one in four students participates in varsity athletics. The 86% retention rate reflects student satisfaction with both the intimate academic environment and the scenic lakefront campus that serves as a gateway to Chicago's opportunities.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 59.6%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 74.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 70.4%
- Retention Rate
- 86.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $61,825
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Economics. | Bachelor | $46,087 |
| Finance and Financial Management Services. | Bachelor | $44,468 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $41,007 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $40,647 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $30,409 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $29,832 |
| Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics. | Bachelor | $29,685 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $25,967 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $23,807 |
| Social Sciences, Other. | Bachelor | $22,087 |
Campus Life
The small size creates an intimate feel where the 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name. Weekends often involve trips to Chicago via the nearby Metra train line, taking advantage of internships and cultural opportunities in the city. The Forester athletics program fields 23 varsity teams with 484 total athletes, creating strong school spirit despite Division III status. Students frequently gather at the lakefront for informal volleyball games or study sessions. The affluent Lake Forest community provides upscale dining and shopping within walking distance, though many students prefer the energy of nearby Chicago neighborhoods.
- Setting
- Suburb-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,335 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1857
Campus Safety (2023)
17 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 15°–29°F
- July Avg
- 63°–81°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 39.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 33.6"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 42.5%
- Women
- 57.5%
- White
- 46.6%
- Black
- 3.4%
- Hispanic
- 18.5%
- Asian
- 6.3%
- In-State Students
- 53.1%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 35.2%
Location
- Address
- Lake Forest, Illinois 60045-2338
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $61,825
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $61,366
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $41,100
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 77.2%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $277/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $26,158
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Lake Forest College?
Lake Forest College accepts 59.72% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1153 and 1340 on the SAT. This small liberal arts college attracts students who value close faculty relationships and a tight-knit campus community.
How much does Lake Forest College cost after financial aid?
Lake Forest College charges $54,202 in tuition, but the average net price drops to $27,499 after aid. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $19,067 on average. The school's generous aid packages help make this strong lakefront campus accessible to diverse economic backgrounds.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Lake Forest College?
Lake Forest College maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with just 1,782 total students. This creates the small class environment that liberal arts colleges are known for. The intimate setting allows professors to work closely with students on research and mentorship.
What do Lake Forest College graduates earn after graduation?
Lake Forest College graduates earn a median salary of $61,825 ten years after graduation. The employment rate reaches 92.9%, reflecting the school's strong alumni network and career services. Notable alumni include David Schwimmer from Friends and Twilight author Stephenie Meyer.
Where is Lake Forest College located and what is campus life like?
Lake Forest College sits on a beautiful lakefront campus in suburban Lake Forest, Illinois, about 30 miles north of Chicago. The campus houses 1,335 students in residence halls, creating a close community atmosphere. Students enjoy both the scenic campus setting and easy access to Chicago's cultural and internship opportunities.
Does Lake Forest College offer athletic scholarships?
Lake Forest College offers $0 in athletic scholarships because it competes in NCAA Division III. The school fields 23 varsity sports teams called the Foresters with 484 total athletes. Division III emphasizes the student-athlete experience over athletic recruiting, fitting the college's academic focus.
