Lake Forest College vs. Willamette University

Comparable Facts

Compare Lake Forest College in Lake Forest, IL with Willamette University in Salem, OR on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Willamette University is larger than Lake Forest College based on total student enrollment (2,180 students vs. 1,837 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lake Forest College is located in Lake Forest, IL (Large Suburban setting); Willamette University is in Salem, OR (Midsize City setting).
• Lake Forest College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Willamette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lake Forest College 13:1; Willamette University 13:1.

Lake Forest College vs. Willamette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lake Forest College or Willamette University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Willamette University than Lake Forest College ($29,421 vs. $31,225).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lake Forest College are 21.4% lower than at Willamette University ($12,700 vs. $16,150).
• Lake Forest College is 10.3% more expensive for in-state tuition than Willamette University (about $5,246 more per year; $56,402.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 10.3% higher at Lake Forest College than at Willamette University (about $5,246 more per year; $56,402.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Lake Forest College as at Willamette University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lake Forest College students is 4.1% larger than aid received by Willamette University students ($39,630 vs. $38,080).

Lake Forest College vs. Willamette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lake Forest College or Willamette University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Willamette University and Lake Forest College.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Willamette University (1340) is 50 points higher than at Lake Forest College (1290).
• Incoming Lake Forest College students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 30) as students at Willamette University (30).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lake Forest College 1190/1393; Willamette University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lake Forest College 28/32; Willamette University 28/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lake Forest College - Test optional; Willamette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Lake Forest College Feb 15, 2027; Willamette University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Willamette University students have a 0.35 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Lake Forest College (3.62).
• Willamette University has a higher acceptance rate (77.1%) than Lake Forest College (56.8%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 13.6% at Lake Forest College vs. 14.3% at Willamette University.

Lake Forest College vs. Willamette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lake Forest College and Willamette University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Willamette University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Lake Forest College's (68%).
• Graduates from Willamette University earn a median of about $500 more per year than Lake Forest College graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $53,800), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Willamette University graduates have a $1,000 lower median loan debt than Lake Forest College graduates ($26,000 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Willamette University graduates have an estimated $11 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lake Forest College graduates ($268 vs. $279).
• More Willamette University graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lake Forest College students, three years after graduation. (80% vs. 78%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.