Private nonprofit Institution

Lake Forest College — Lake Forest, Illinois

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Annual Tuition $54,202

Estimated Out-of-Pocket

Acceptance 59.4%

Moderately Open

Enrollment 1,782

Active Students

Avg. Salary $61,825

After 10 Years

Institutional Profile

Location Lake Forest, Illinois
Institution type Private nonprofit
Accreditation Higher Learning Commission
Founded 12/1/1965

Academic Mission & Environment

"Lake Forest College stands as a pillar of higher education in Lake Forest, providing a robust academic foundation for 1,782 students. The institution is recognized for its dedication to career-ready outcomes and community impact."

Campus Setting Urban Campus
Student Focus High Employment ROI

What programs does Lake Forest College offer?

Discover the most popular degrees and fields of study at Lake Forest College. These programs represent the institution's primary areas of academic focus and professional preparation.

Business & Marketing
20.3%

Enrollment Share

Biological Sciences
15.6%

Enrollment Share

Social Sciences
14.7%

Enrollment Share

Psychology
12.2%

Enrollment Share

English
4.7%

Enrollment Share

Natural Resources
4.7%

Enrollment Share

Institutional Choice

Best Business & Marketing College

Positioned as a premier hub for future executives...

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Institutional Choice

Best Biological Sciences College

The Biological Sciences program at Lake Forest College provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Social Sciences College

The Social Sciences program at Lake Forest College provides a comprehensive education...

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Institutional Choice

Best Psychology College

Our Psychology program offers deep insights into human behavior...

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Institutional Choice

Best English College

The English program at Lake Forest College provides a comprehensive education...

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Best Natural Resources College

The Natural Resources program at Lake Forest College provides a comprehensive education...

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What is the acceptance rate at Lake Forest College?

Admissions & Selectivity Dashboard — 2026

Acceptance 59.4%
Difficulty Low

Lake Forest College maintains an acceptance rate of 59.4%, reflecting its status as a moderately open institution. The admissions process evaluates academic potential alongside standardized testing trends to ensure a balanced student body.

Test Requirement SAT/ACT scores are considered but not required.

Student Body Composition

Men Enrollment 42.5%
Women Enrollment 57.5%

Test Score Ranges (25th - 75th Percentile)

SAT Reading 590 - 685
SAT Mathematics 580 - 680
ACT English 28 - 33
ACT Mathematics 25 - 28
Expert Insight

Competitive scores often fall within or exceed these typical 50% benchmarks for admitted students.

How much does Lake Forest College cost in 2026?

In-State Tuition $54,202
Out-of-State Tuition $54,202

Financial Support Snapshot

Pell Grant Rate 35.2%
Median Student Debt $26,158

ROI Insight

With a tuition of only $54,202, graduates see a median starting salary of $61,825, making it one of the most affordable pathways in Illinois.

What salary can Lake Forest College graduates expect?

Avg. Early Career Salary $61,825

10 years after entry

Graduation Rate 70.4%

Investment Analysis & ROI

Average Net Price $27,499
Median Salary (6yr) $51,324
Earnings-to-Debt Ratio Above Average
Career Stability Index High

What is student life like at Lake Forest College in Lake Forest?

1,782 Students

Gender Comparison

42.5% Men
57.5% Women
Male Enrollment Female Enrollment

Retention & Enrollment

86.3%
Retention First-year
0%
Full-time Enrollment

Diversity & Ethnicity

American Indian
0.2%
Asian
6.3%
Black
3.4%
White
46.6%
Unknown
3.3%
Hispanic
18.5%
Two or More Races
3.4%
International
18.3%

Campus Demographics

🎂
Avg. Age at Entry 19
🎓
First-Generation 24.6%
💰
Receive Pell Grant 58.6%

Student Economic Background

Median Household Income $84,677
Average Family Income $85,705
Median Family Income $59,959

Faculty Profile

Faculty Gender

46.9%
53.1%
Women Men
Premium Campus Location

Explore the Lake Forest Campus Environment

Located at 555 N Sheridan Road, Lake Forest College offers a strategic urban setting that connects students with the economic and cultural heart of Illinois. Use our verified map utility to plan your visit or explore nearby professional hubs.

Campus Setting Urban / Metropolitan
Access High Connectivity
Get Directions Open in Google Maps
⚖️

How does Lake Forest College compare?

Direct Comparison Lake Forest College vs Lake Forest Graduate School of Management →

Common Questions about Lake Forest College

Is Lake Forest College a good college in Lake Forest, Illinois?
Lake Forest College is a recognized institution in Lake Forest with an enrollment of 1,782 students. It is accredited by Higher Learning Commission and offers a robust ROI for students in Illinois based on Department of Education data.
Is Lake Forest College worth attending in 2026?
Yes, Lake Forest College offers exceptional value with an average net price of $0 and median graduate earnings of $61,825. The institution's focus on professional outcomes makes it a strong investment for 2026.
How much does Lake Forest College cost for Illinois residents in 2026?
For the 2026 academic year, in-state tuition at Lake Forest College is approximately $54,202. In addition, out-of-state tuition is $54,202. Financial aid and Pell Grants significantly reduce this cost for most local residents.
What is the real cost of Lake Forest College after financial aid and FAFSA?
The real cost of attending Lake Forest College for most students is its average net price of $0. Approximately 58.6% of students receive Pell Grants and FAFSA-based aid to offset costs.
Is Lake Forest College good for Business & Marketing and Biological Sciences programs?
Lake Forest College is highly regarded for its Business & Marketing and Biological Sciences programs. These tracks are among the most popular, preparing students for immediate career entry.
What career can I get after attending Lake Forest College?
Graduates of Lake Forest College often transition into high-demand roles in fields like Business & Marketing. With a median salary of $61,825, the college provides a clear pathway to professional advancement.
What are the admission requirements for Lake Forest College?
Lake Forest College operates with a Moderately Open policy. This typically includes a simplified application process focused on accessibility and student success regardless of past standardized test scores.
Does Lake Forest College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
No, Lake Forest College follows a test-optional approach for the 2026 cycle. Standardized test scores like the SAT or ACT are not required for general admission.
What salary can Lake Forest College graduates expect after 10 years?
Graduates of Lake Forest College earn a median salary of $61,825 after 10 years. This demonstrates long-term professional stability and growth.
Is Lake Forest College a good investment compared to other IL colleges?
Lake Forest College stands out as a high-value investment in Illinois. With an average net price of only $0, it offers one of the most affordable pathways to a degree and a professional career in the state.
Where is Lake Forest College located and what is the campus like?
Lake Forest College is located at 555 N Sheridan Road in Lake Forest, IL. The campus provides a dynamic environment serving a diverse student body of 1,782 learners.
Who typically attends Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, IL?
The student body at Lake Forest College is diverse and career-focused. Approximately 24.6% are first-generation students, reflecting a community of motivated, real-world learners.
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2026 Rankings: Illinois

Explore top-tier academic pathways across the state

Compare Lake Forest College with other leading institutions in Illinois across various professional disciplines. Our verified data audits provide transparency on career ROI and academic quality.

N
Nursing
B
Business Administration
C
Computer Science
M
Medical
P
Psychology
E
Engineering
C
Criminal Justice
S
Social Work
A
Accounting
M
Marketing
C
Cybersecurity
F
Finance
B
Biotechnology
M
Mechanical Engineering
P
Public Administration
F
Fire Protection
I
International Business
I
Information Science
C
Civil Engineering
J
Journalism
G
Graphic Communications
C
Computer Engineering
D
Data Science
L
Law
A
Architecture
E
Education
L
Liberal Arts
🧭

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