Lake Forest College is committed to making college affordable for our students and their families. The Net Price Calculator allows families to see an example of average net cost (net price) for attending Lake Forest.
The Net Price Calculator is designed for students who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
While the calculation of your estimated Student Aid Index (SAI) is reasonably accurate, it is still important to complete the application process and obtain an official award letter (or complete review) from the Office of Financial Aid. There are unique aid programs that cannot be included in the “results page” of this Calculator that might add significantly to your total financial aid offer!
We encourage you not to use Google Chrome when using the Net Price Calculator
To complete the Calculator you will need several documents with you, including 2023 tax return, W2s, and current bank and investment account statements. If you own a business or farm, documents to help determine their "net worth".
A few notes when completing the third page of the Calculator :
- For help completing several questions including Total untaxed income and Total additional financial information, detailed instructions are found by hovering your mouse over that question.
- For “Income Tax Paid” enter the amount found on the Federal 1040, Line 22 minus Schedule 2, line 2. If negative, enter a zero
- For “Child Support Paid” enter total amount received in the last complete calendar year. Contact us if this amount will decrease in 2025.
What is the Calculator?
The Net Price Calculator is a tool to help you estimate the financial aid you might receive and the net price you might pay if you are admitted here and complete the financial aid application process.
The “net price” is the difference between the total cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room, board, travel, books, and other supplies) and the scholarships and grants you receive.
First, you report values about yourself (GPA, ACT/SAT, etc.) and your family’s finances (number in the household, number in college, total income, assets, etc.). Then you will see a figure which is the average of scholarships and grants offered to students with an academic and financial “profile” similar to yours.
All applicants for need-based and merit-based aid are evaluated on an individual basis, so your eligibility may differ from the average amount shown.
The Net Price Calculator is not an official application for financial aid, nor is it an official award letter from the College.
What information will I need?
You should have your and your parents’ 2023 tax return, W-2(s) or last pay stub, and recent banking/investment account documents. You will also be asked a few questions about your academic qualifications, so if you don’t know them, get your GPA, ACT/SAT scores, and class rank (if your school ranks).
What information will I receive?
The “end result” is an estimate of what you will need to pay if you enroll at Lake Forest in the 2025-2026 academic year.
You will see figures for scholarships, grants and student loans.
Grants and scholarships do not need to be repaid. The amount shown includes federal, state, outside awards, and Lake Forest College need-based and merit-based aid.
Loans need to be repaid, usually after you graduate. If you borrow, you must repay the amount borrowed, plus interest. See our loans page for details.
What are my next steps?
Since the Net Price Calculator is not an official financial aid application, you must follow the steps outlined here to receive an official award letter from Lake Forest. Then will you know your true costs, scholarships, grants, loans and your actual out-of-pocket cost.
What if I need more funding or other options?
The College can point you toward additional resources for you and your family, including outside scholarships, loans for parents or students, and monthly payment options, to help make your education affordable.
The Net Price Calculator does not take into account any “special circumstances” your family may have to report. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid (email or call 847-735-5010) for instructions on reporting them to our office.
What if I am not a U.S. citizen or permanent resident?
International students should contact the Admissions Office by email or call 847-735-5017 (first-year) or -5087 (transfer) for information about scholarships and grants available. General details are here.
Undocumented students should contact their admissions counselor.
Admissions
- Apply
- First-Year Students
- Transfer Students
- International Students
- Admitted Students
- Connect With Your Admissions Counselor
- Visit Campus
- Scholarships
- Financial Aid
- High School Counselors
- Community College Counselors
Contact Financial Aid
Phone and Fax
847-735-5103
finaid@lakeforest.edu
Location
Patterson Lodge, 2nd Floor
Middle Campus, Map
Hours
Monday-Friday
8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
FINANCIAL AID STAFF
Jerry Cebrzynski
Associate Vice President for Financial Aid
847-735-5104
cebrzynski@lakeforest.edu
Mark Anderson
Associate Director
847-735-5010
anderson@lakeforest.edu
Adriana Rodriguez
Associate Director for Financial Aid Operations
VA Certifying Official
847-735-5015
rodriguez@lakeforest.edu
Si necesita hablar con alguien en español en la oficina de ayuda financiera, usted puede llamar a Adriana Rodriguez.