Lake Forest College

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:

• Business, Management, and Marketing (most popular major)
• Data Science and Entrepreneurship (notable for a liberal arts college)
• Pre-health tracks (a draw for science-focused students)

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:

• Co-curricular focus: Strong emphasis on blending academic and extracurricular growth
• Chicago proximity: Easy access to internships and culture (30 miles south)
• Athletics: Competes in NCAA Division III (Midwest Conference)

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:

• 72% for women
• 68% for men

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:

• Average net price: $29,894 after aid
• 77.96% of students receive financial aid
• Average aid package: $57,630

Merit scholarships range $50–$20,000+, awarded automatically based on academic profiles. The Net Price?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.