About

About Lake Forest College

liberal arts collegesmall class sizestest optional admissionspre-med emphasis

Lake Forest College is a private liberal arts college in Lake Forest, IL, known for its liberal arts college, small class sizes, and test optional admissions. With an acceptance rate of 60%, Lake Forest College is moderately selective, typically enrolling around 445 students each year. Lake Forest College is test optional; students who submit scores are typically admitted with SATs between 1230–1400, though many competitive applicants choose not to submit. Lake Forest College offers merit scholarships regardless of financial need, with awards averaging $37,733 per year; the sticker price of $66,400 may look very different from what your family actually pays.

Admissions

Lake Forest College acceptance rate and admitted student profile

moderately selective

60%
Overall Accept Rate
1.00
Typical Admitted GPA
1315
Median Admitted SAT
SATSubmitted score range: 1230 – 1400 (test optional)

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Application Strategy

Strategy tips for applying to Lake Forest College

The first 2 tips apply to all applicants. Your personalized strategy requires your profile — build your free list to unlock it.

Essay Strategy
Lake Forest College places heavy weight on essays, so use your personal statement to show how you think independently and engage with ideas beyond the classroom. Admissions readers want to see intellectual curiosity and self-direction, not just a list of accomplishments.
Essay Strategy
In your Why Lake Forest essay, reference specific programs like the Richter Scholars research program or the Center for Chicago Programs, and explain how those opportunities connect to what you want to explore during college. Vague enthusiasm will not stand out here.

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Financial Aid & Cost

What Lake Forest College actually costs your family

Average net prices by income bracket from College Scorecard data.

Family IncomeSticker PriceEst. Net Cost / yr
0-30k~$66k/yr$19.6k
30k-48k~$66k/yr$20.2k
48k-75k~$66k/yr$21.5k
75k-110k~$66k/yr$26.1k
110k+~$66k/yr$35.3k

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Outcomes & Campus

Student outcomes and campus profile

70%
6-Year Graduation Rate
$51k
Median Earnings (6 yrs)
12:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
1,768
Undergrad Enrollment
Lake Forest College Acceptance Rate & Admissions | SpearMatch