
Lake Forest, ILprivate nonprofitwww.lakeforest.edu/
Lake Forest College is a small, selective liberal arts college just north of Chicago that punches above its weight with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, strong career outcomes (97% placement), and a campus culture students describe as 'safe' and intellectually engaged. Its suburban setting offers proximity to Chicago internships while maintaining a tight-knit residential community where 71% of students live on campus.
Lake Forest College is somewhat selective, admitting 56.8% of applicants (3,043 out of 5,356) in 2024. Middle 50% test scores for admitted students fall between 1230–1400 SAT or 26–31 ACT, though the college is test-flexible and superscores both exams. The admissions office emphasizes Holistic admissionsA review that weighs the whole applicant — grades, essays, activities, and context — rather than relying on test scores and GPA alone., with no open admission policy. Contact info: 847-735-5000 (or toll-free 800-828-4751) at 555 North Sheridan Road.
With a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and 73% graduation rate, Lake Forest offers 42 majors across humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Standout programs include:
The college emphasizes experiential learning and reports that 97% of graduates secure employment or graduate school placement. About 30% of alumni earn advanced degrees.
A residential campus (71% live on-site) with a reputation for safety—100% of students in Niche surveys report feeling "extremely safe." Key features:
Students describe the vibe as "engaged" and "close-knit," with particular praise from pre-health aspirants.
Lake Forest ranks #35 for student experience nationally, with gender-differentiated graduation rates:
Post-graduation, 97% of alumni are employed or in grad school within six months. The college scores moderately on social mobility (#117) but lower on salary outcomes (#313) and value (#399), suggesting its strengths lie more in qualitative experience than financial ROI.
The college meets 100% of tuition and fees through grants/scholarships (no loans required for tuition). Key stats:
Merit scholarships range $50–$20,000+, awarded automatically based on academic profiles. The Net priceWhat a family actually pays after grants and scholarships are subtracted from the sticker price — usually far less than the published cost. Calculator helps estimate individualized costs.
Lake Forest combines Chicago-adjacent opportunities with the close mentorship of a small college. Its 97% career placement rate rivals larger universities, while the 13:1 ratio ensures undergrads work directly with faculty. The campus culture—safe, residential, and intellectually curious—appeals to students seeking a traditional liberal arts experience with urban access. It’s particularly strong for business-minded students and pre-health tracks, offering rare programs like data science at this scale.