Lake Forest College continues to achieve high marks in national rankings
Lake Forest College has experienced a consistent upward trend in national rankings over the past several years, reflecting the College’s continued focus on providing a rigorous undergraduate education that prepares students for meaningful and rewarding careers.
• In September 2025, U.S. News & World Report released its 2026 “Best Colleges” report. In it, Lake Forest College was named #3 in the nation for Social Mobility and #11 in the Best Value Schools category.
This marks the fifth consecutive year Lake Forest has placed among the top three nationally in Social Mobility—a category that measures how well colleges enroll and graduate large proportions of disadvantaged students. The recognition reflects both the College’s long-standing commitment to accessibility and affordability and a national emphasis on rewarding colleges for student outcomes rather than just reputation or selectivity.
Overall, Lake Forest ranked #75 among National Liberal Arts Colleges, up two spots from last year’s #77 and a 30-point climb from #105 in 2011. The College also rose to #11 on the Best Value list, up from #13 last year. This ranking weighs both academic quality and net cost for students who receive the average level of need-based financial aid.
Together, these rankings highlight Lake Forest’s steady upward trajectory and its continued focus on providing a rigorous, affordable education that leads to meaningful careers and lives of purpose.
• In August 2025, Lake Forest College was named one of the Best 391 Colleges, Best Value Colleges, and Best Midwest Colleges by The Princeton Review. The education services company released its annual college guide with recommendations of profiles and recommends Lake Forest College in 2026, underscoring areas where the College stands out.
Lake Forest College also was named to The Princeton Review’s 2026 Best Value Colleges list. The Princeton Review bases this list on a combination of institutional and student survey data, including academic rigor, affordability, and career outcomes for graduates, among others.
In The Best 391 Colleges guide, The Princeton Review also ranked Lake Forest College: #2 Best Science Lab Facilities, #2 Best Health Services, #6 Best Student Support and Counseling Services, #14 Best Career Services, #14 Best Town-Gown Relations, and #19 Most Politically Moderate Students.
Facts and Figures
Location
Lake Forest College is located in the suburban town of Lake Forest, a half mile from Lake Michigan and 30 miles north of downtown Chicago. The College’s 107 acres are spread out across three campuses that are divided by wooded ravines. It is home to more than 250 species of naturalized plants and 187 bird species.
With classic 19th and 20th Century architecture, mature oak trees, and numerous green spaces, the College has been and remains a popular place to film movies.
Student Body
- Total undergraduates: 1.813
- Our students come from 43 states, Washington D.C., the U.S. Virgin Islands, and 114 countries.
- 40% of domestic students identify as students of color
- 20% are international students (including dual citizens)
- 13% are transfer students
- More than 40 languages are spoken on campus
Faculty
Lake Forest professors regularly include undergraduates in their primary research and supervise independent research projects.
| Teaching faculty | 181 |
| Full-time professors holding the PhD or equivalent | 96% |
| Student–faculty ratio | 12:1 |
| Average class size | 19 |
They receive fellowships and grants from such notable organizations as the Fulbright Program, National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, National Endowment for the Humanities, Freeman Foundation, Mellon Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, Getty Trust, Goldsmith Foundation, and Kemper Foundation.
Areas of Study
The College has 34 majors, 49 minors, 15 accelerated programs and affiliations, and three pre-professional programs. Students can declare up to two majors and one minor, or one major and two minors.
Academic Year
The year includes two 15-week semesters and three four-week terms in the summer session.
Off-Campus Study
Participating in an off-campus program, whether to study, intern, research, or volunteer, can be a life-changing experience and is highly encouraged at Lake Forest. Students may participate for credit in a total of two semester-long programs chosen from our list of 200+ programs in 70 countries. The programs on this list may be sponsored by Lake Forest College or one of several trusted program providers.
Internships
The College was ranked #14 on The Princeton Review’s list of Top 20 Schools for Internships (Private Schools) in The Best 387 Colleges: 2022 Edition, based on students’ ratings of accessibility of internship placement at their school. In recent years, students have held internships with such organizations as The Art Institute of Chicago, Abbott Laboratories, the American Writers Museum, Chicago Botanic Garden, CDW, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Goldman Sachs, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, Morgan Stanley, Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital, the Shedd Aquarium, StarCom, Stout Advisory, University of Chicago Medicine, University of Chicago Press, and WNBA Chicago Sky.
Community Education
The College serves adults living in the region through the Office of Community Education. The College currently offers a Master of Liberal Studies (M/LS) program and Master’s of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program.
Center for Chicago Programs
The Center for Chicago Programs connects Lake Forest students to the educational and cultural riches of Chicago both on campus and in the city. The Center is an integral part of the student and faculty experience at the College.
Athletics
Lake Forest has 25 Division III teams, including 12 women’s (basketball, cross country, golf, handball, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, track and field, and volleyball) and 11 men’s (basketball, cross country, football, golf, handball, hockey, lacrosse, soccer, swimming and diving, tennis, and track and field). Many students are also involved in club or intramural sports.
Team name: Foresters
School mascot: Boomer the Bear
School colors: Red and black
Alumni
The College and its Alumni Board host events around the country. More than 13,000 alumni, in 63 countries and all 50 states, participate in student mentor programs, assist with internships, and support the College through donations.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Lake Forest College admits students regardless of their ability to pay, so that qualified students from all economic backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue their academic goals. Lake Forest is committed to meeting as much of a student’s demonstrated financial need as possible, which may include a combination of federal/state/college grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. The College offers several merit-based scholarships, recognizing academic achievement, talent, and community engagement.