Founded in 1857, Lake Forest College has a long tradition of academic excellence and is known for its innovative curriculum. We are dedicated to elevating students from dreamers to doers. Here, students take classes to nurture and discover their passions. Our community embraces career preparation at its finest, with access to top internships in and around the great city of Chicago. In every field of study, we will help students make opportunities to excel.
In addition to majors in the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences, the College features programs of study in data science, entrepreneurship and innovation, pre-health, nursing pathways, pre-law, business, finance, computer science, and still other practical areas. Students learn in a rigorous academic environment in small class settings where professors do all the teaching and also serve as advisors and mentors. Professors are accomplished scholars, published authors, and recipients of prestigious grants. Many have come from some of the top PhD programs in the country.
Students get the best of both worlds: an idyllic lakeshore campus near the opportunity and culture of the third-largest city in the US. Lake Forest College is committed to helping students achieve their dream careers through pragmatic experience and guided preparation. With hands-on research, nationally ranked internship access, and dynamic classroom settings that foster supportive relationships between students and professors, this is the liberal arts at its finest.
Every first-year student and transfer student is assigned a career advisor, in addition to an academic advisor. Lake Forest prepares students to lead successful lives, and many go on to competitive graduate programs and top jobs. Abundant internships, research opportunities, personal guidance from professors, and connections to nearby Chicago also set Lake Forest apart.
About
From the School
Contact & Visit
Campus Visits Contact
Office of Admissions
555 N. Sheridan Rd.
Lake Forest, IL 60045
Experience College Life
Brown Hall
Sports and Recreation Center
Lillard Science Center
Gorter Family Career Advancement Center
Downtown Chicago
Magnificent Mile, Chicago
The Art Institute of Chicago and other museums
Lake Forest Beach on Lake Michigan
The train to Chicago is just a few blocks from campus. The train also serves all towns along the North Shore including Highland Park and Evanston where Northwestern University is located.
Campus Tours
8:30 am-5 pm
847-735-5000
Dates: Year-round
Times: Varies
Average Length: 1 hour
On Campus Interview
Faculty and Coach Visits
Class Visits
Overnight Dorm Stays
Transportation
Admissions
Admissions
Overall
From The School
The criteria used for selection include assessment of a student's program of study, academic achievement, aptitude, intellectual curiosity, qualities of character and personality, and activities.
Standardized test scores (ACT/SAT) are optional, except for international or home-schooled candidates, and those applying for some academic scholarships. A personal interview is required for students who do not submit scores.
Apply Online https://www.lakeforest.edu/apply
Visit Campus https://www.lakeforest.edu/visit
Majors and Minors https://www.lakeforest.edu/academics
Scholarships and Financial Aid https://www.lakeforest.edu/scholarships
Virtual Tour https://www.campusreel.org/colleges/lake-forest-college/vr
Overview
GPA Breakdown
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Learn MoreSAT & ACT Test Scores
Testing Policies
Deadlines
Early Decision — November 1
Early Decision II — January 15
Early Action — November 1
Regular — February 15
Other Admission Factors
Rigor of Secondary School Record
Application Essay
Interview
Extracurricular Activities
Talent / Ability
Character / Personal Qualities
Selectivity Rating
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Learn MoreAcademics
Academics
Overall
From The School
Academic Programs
The First-Year Studies Program (FIYS)
First-year studies classes are small in size to encourage interaction and discussion. The FIYS professors also serve as the students' primary academic advisors and help them navigate the College's academic offerings during their first year. With many topics to choose from, first-year studies courses cover a wide range of academic interests from music, art, and politics to neuroscience, terrorism and religion, many with a focus on Chicago or directly utilizing the resources available there. Chicago plays an integral role in the FIYS program. Students travel to the city with their class during orientation week, providing a first-hand introduction to how the educational, cultural, and social resources of Chicago will influence their coursework and experiences during their four years at Lake Forest.
The Richter Scholars Program
This program provides students, early in their academic careers, with the opportunity to conduct independent, individual research with Lake Forest faculty. In the summer after their first year, each student in the Richter Program is employed for a ten-week period and does independent research one-on-one with a faculty member.
Self-Designed Major
This program allows students to develop an academic major of their own, working closely with a faculty advisor, culminating in a thesis or a creative project.
Majors and Degrees Offered
The academic calendar is based on two 15-week semesters, beginning in August and January. Students normally take four four-credit courses per semester (the equivalent of 16 credits).
There are no teaching assistants at the College. Courses are taught in small classroom settings by professors who are experts in their fields and who also serve students as one-on-one advisors. In addition to classroom studies, students are encouraged to complete an internship, conduct original research, and study abroad for a semester.
A Lake Forest graduate will have studied a broad range of ideas; developed real competence in writing, speaking, and quantitative skills; and gained significant experience in humanities, natural sciences and mathematics, and social sciences while completing requirements for a major in an academic department or interdisciplinary program. The College's General Education Curriculum, advising system, and major requirements are designed to support these educational ideals.
Lake Forest awards the bachelor of arts (BA) degree in both traditional academic departments and interdisciplinary programs. Areas of study include: African American studies, American studies, anthropology, area studies, studio art, art history, art education, Asian studies, biology, biochemistry and molecular biology, business (concentrations in accounting and marketing available), chemistry, cinema studies, classical studies, communication, computer science, data science, digital media design, economics, education (elementary and secondary), engineering (dual degree), English and creative writing (literature and writing), entrepreneurship and innovation, environmental studies, finance, gender, sexuality and women's studies, history, international relations, journalism, Latin American studies, legal studies, mathematics, medieval studies, modern languages and literatures (Chinese, French, and Spanish), museum studies, music, music education, neuroscience, philosophy, physics, politics, print and digital publishing, psychology, public policy, religion, self-designed major, social justice, sociology, theater, urban studies. Lake Forest also offers pre-professional programs in law, medicine, dentistry, nursing, pharmacy, physical therapy.
Accelerated and dual-degree programs are offered in various academic areas including law, international studies, nursing, pharmacy, and engineering.
Faculty and Class Information
Graduation Rates
Majors
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AREA, ETHNIC, CULTURAL, GENDER, AND GROUP STUDIES.
African-American/Black Studies.
American/United States Studies/Civilization.
Area Studies, Other.
Asian Studies/Civilization.
Latin American Studies.
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BIOLOGICAL AND BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.
Biology/Biological Sciences, General.
Neuroscience.
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BUSINESS, MANAGEMENT, MARKETING, AND RELATED SUPPORT SERVICES.
Business/Commerce, General.
Finance, General.
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COMMUNICATION, JOURNALISM, AND RELATED PROGRAMS.
Speech Communication and Rhetoric.
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COMPUTER AND INFORMATION SCIENCES AND SUPPORT SERVICES.
Computer and Information Sciences, Other.
Computer Science.
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EDUCATION.
Education, General.
Music Teacher Education.
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ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE/LETTERS.
English Language and Literature, General.
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FOREIGN LANGUAGES, LITERATURES, AND LINGUISTICS.
French Language and Literature.
Spanish Language and Literature.
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HISTORY.
History, General.
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LIBERAL ARTS AND SCIENCES, GENERAL STUDIES AND HUMANITIES.
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.
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MATHEMATICS AND STATISTICS.
Mathematics, General.
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NATURAL RESOURCES AND CONSERVATION.
Environmental Studies.
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PHILOSOPHY AND RELIGIOUS STUDIES.
Philosophy.
Religion/Religious Studies.
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PHYSICAL SCIENCES.
Chemistry, General.
Physics, General.
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PSYCHOLOGY.
Research and Experimental Psychology, Other.
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SOCIAL SCIENCES.
Econometrics and Quantitative Economics.
International Relations and Affairs.
Political Science and Government, General.
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VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS.
Art History, Criticism and Conservation.
Art/Art Studies, General.
Drama and Dramatics/Theatre Arts, General.
Music, General.
Students Say
Lake Forest College offers 32 majors, and students insist "you will always find something you love" and ways to keep it interesting, even in your first year. For example, students have the opportunity to take field trips into Chicago, only an hour by train, through the "First Year Study Courses," which are "specifically designed to get students interested in Chicago, and show how different areas of study connect to Chicago and the surrounding areas." Such engaging classes are truly reflective of the "high quality" education you receive at Lake Forest.
Degrees
Master's
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Regional Alumni
Experiential
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Academic Rating
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Graduation Rates
Career Services
Alumni Network
Alumni Services
Classes
Interest Inventory
Internships
Regional Alumni
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ROI & Outcomes
Students Say
Tuition & Aid
Tuition & Aid
Overview
From The School
Tuition, Room, Board and Fees
2024-2025 Tuition: $ $55,500
Room $6,200
Board: $6,500
Fees: $902
Financial Aid
Lake Forest College provides an affordable, high-quality education through maintaining a strong commitment to supporting each student's demonstrated financial need.
The College offers academic scholarships up to $34,000 and talent-based scholarships in music, studio art, and theater.
Dates
Required Forms
Financial Aid Statistics
Expenses per Academic Year
Available Aid
Need-Based College/University Scholarship or Grant Aid from Institutional Funds
Need-Based Federal Pell
Need-Based Private Scholarships
Need-Based SEOG
Need-Based State Scholarships
Direct Subsidized Stafford Loans
Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loans
Financial Aid Rating
Student Body
Student Body
Overall
From The School
Students represent nearly every state and more than 100 countries around the world. Together they comprise a learning community that prepares them to succeed in a global society. More than eighty student groups provide a host of extracurricular opportunities that develop leadership skills and enhance students' campus experience and post-college prospects. Lake Forest College offers recreational music, art, and theater programs, as well as 25 varsity sports and intramural and club sports.
Lake Forest College is a place to study, work, and live. With the diversity of the student body there is an eclectic mix of activities and opportunities outside the classroom.
Student organizations include student government, international interest groups, Greek Life, academic honor societies, community service, publications and media, music and performance, spiritual and religious groups, and many others.
Students have a voice in how the College is run and are actively involved in governance committees such as the College Council and have representation on the Board of Trustees. Student writers and performers can showcase their talents on stage with the Garrick Players, by hosting a show on "WMXM," the College's FM radio station, or through the student newspaper, literary magazines, chorus and instrumental ensembles. Academic honor societies enjoy active student participation as do the community service groups and many special-interest clubs. The College provides and maintains a comprehensive intramural and intercollegiate athletic program. There are four national fraternities and five national sororities, all housed within the residence halls. All students have equal opportunity to take advantage of the richness of the College's programs.
Lake Forest College competes in the NCAA Division III fielding thirteen women's and twelve men's intercollegiate varsity teams. Women's teams include basketball, cross-country, golf, handball, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, volleyball, track (indoor), and track (distance). Men's teams include basketball, cross-country, football, golf, handball, ice hockey, lacrosse, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, track (indoor), and track (distance). The College also offers an extensive roster of intramural and club sports.
The College's Center for Chicago Programs facilitates engagement with the resources of Chicago which often complements programs for student organizations as well as provides students with information on cultural and social activities happening downtown. The train to Chicago is a short walk from campus and students enjoy traveling to the city for fun and entertainment as well as many class trips with professors.
Student Body Profile
Demographics
Students Say
Campus Life
Campus Life
Overview
From The School
Location
Just an hour's train ride to Chicago, the College is located in the town of Lake Forest, Illinois, 30 miles north of the city along the shores of Lake Michigan. The 107-acre residential campus is a safe academic home in a beautiful wooded suburban setting within walking distance to the train to downtown Chicago, historic Lake Forest, and the beaches of Lake Michigan.
The College is only 25 miles from O'Hare International Airport and is also served by Midway Airport and Mitchell International Airport in Milwaukee.
The campus is surrounded by lush wooded neighborhoods, ravines, natural prairies, the beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan, and an extensive network of bike and running trails. Nearby Chicago boasts nearly 70 world-class museums, more than 200 theaters, seven major league sports teams, and one of the nation's top opera companies. Chicago is known for its cleanliness, abundant green space, good transportation system, and friendly people.
Campus Facilities & Equipment
The Sports and Recreation Center is a popular facility on campus and includes multipurpose courts, a suspended running track, aerobic and dance studio, a batting/golf cage, strength, cardio, and fitness spaces, a pool, and an indoor ice rink just next door.
The Mohr Student Center is a student-centered social space that is the hub of social activity on campus. It features pool tables and other games, stage and performance space, large-screen TVs, lounges, deli/snack bar, grocery store, and an outdoor terrace with seating.
Center for Chicago Programs
Chicago provides a hands-on resource for student learning through research, internships, study, and fun. The Center is an on-campus hub for all Chicago-related programming. Students can plan visits to the city and professors can get help incorporating Chicago resources into their classrooms. The Center also brings well-known Chicagoans to the College for lectures and performances.
Off-Campus Opportunities
Lake Forest encourages students to take advantage of study, internship, and research opportunities in Chicago, around the United States, and abroad. Internship opportunities are plentiful in the Chicago area and students have interned at places such as the Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Board of Trade, Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Edelman Public Relations Worldwide, Morgan Stanley, NBC Chicago, Second City, and the John G. Shedd Aquarium, among others. Students can choose to spend a semester living at our modern residential facility in Chicago and interning through the Lake Forest In The Loop program. Our close proximity and relationship with Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science offers many opportunities for students interested in the health professions.
In addition to a well-established internship program, Lake Forest College students gain international experience through access to over 230 study abroad and internship options in more than 70 countries. There are international and/or domestic programs suited for every major, minor, or program, at Lake Forest. Students can choose a program based on major, minor, language ability, and desired semester. Most students' financial aid packages can be applied to the program of choice.
Campus Life
Housing Options
Students Say
Special Needs Admissions
Special Need Services Offered
Student Activities
Sports
Cross Country
Diving
Football
Golf
Handball
Ice Hockey
Lacrosse
Soccer
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Cross Country
Diving
Golf
Handball
Ice Hockey
Lacrosse
Soccer
Softball
Swimming
Tennis
Track Field Indoor
Track Field Outdoor
Volleyball
Student Services
Sustainability
Campus Security Report
The Jeanne Clery Act requires colleges and universities to disclose their security policies, keep a public crime log, publish an annual crime report and provide timely warnings to students and campus employees about a crime posing an immediate or ongoing threat to students and campus employees.
Please visit The Princeton Review’s page on campus safety for additional resources: http://www.princetonreview.com/safety
The Princeton Review publishes links directly to each school's Campus Security Reports where available. Applicants can also access all school-specific campus safety information using the Campus Safety and Security Data Analysis Cutting Tool provided by the Office of Postsecondary Education of the U.S. Department of Education: https://ope.ed.gov/campussafety/#/