Lake Forest College

Overview

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.