A grant is usually awarded based on “financial need” and does not need to be repaid. Grants come from several sources including the College, some states, and the federal government. Grants listed below are the most common programs available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
To apply for a grant, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. Follow the appropriate link for information for students from Canada and other foreign countries.
Lake Forest College Grant
This grant, provided directly from the College, is available only to full-time students. Most students who qualify for financial aid can expect a substantial amount of their need to be met by a Lake Forest College Grant. Most recently, 45% of students received grants of less than $5,000, 35% received between $5,000 and $10,000, and 20% received more than $10,000. Amounts are based on your individual circumstances as reported on your FAFSA and any "special circumstances" you may report.
Lake Forest Founders Grant
This grant is awarded less frequently than other grants, going to students who show “financial need” as determined by the College.
Lake Forest Visit Grant
This grant is awarded to select students who visit campus. It is only available to Illinois residents.
Federal Pell Grant
This federal grant is awarded to both full- and part-time U.S. citizens and permanent residents with exceptional financial need. Full-year awards range from $767 - $7395.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
This federal grant is awarded to students with exceptional financial need, with most awards going to students who are Pell Grant recipients. At Lake Forest, most awards are in the amount of $1,000 for a year.
Other State Grant Programs
There are currently just a a few states - Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and Vermont for example- that offer funds which can be used at an out-of-state college/university. If you are a resident of one of these states, and meet the requirements (set by each state) the funds may be used here at Lake Forest. Since the grants are awarded by the states themselves, contact the higher education agency in your home state to learn more.
See the section "State/Location Specific” within our Outside Scholarships page.
Outside Sources of Funding
Your ability to secure outside funding is always advantageous. For that reason you are encouraged to apply for national, state, and local grant that you may be eligible to receive. Funds are awarded at various levels by businesses, churches, civic organizations, and foundations. Visit our outside scholarships webpage page for examples of funding available.
If you do receive assistance from another source, we may be required to reduce other funds you have been offered.
Grants and Scholarships from the College usually require full-time enrollment, while federal and state grants may also be used for part-time enrollment. They do not need to be repaid, and will appear on your billing statement without further action after confirming your enrollment. College Grants (and most federal and state grants) may be used in the fall and spring semesters, and may be used for many off-campus programs. An annual application is required. Eligibility continues until graduation requirements have been completed, to a maximum of six years. All Lake Forest College scholarships and grants are restricted to tuition and fees only.
We make a considerable effort to keep your grant aid at a similar level from one year to the next. There are, however, many factors which determine eligibility for need-based aid, including: the number of people in your household, the number of household members in college, taxable and untaxed income, and any “special circumstances” you ask us to consider. Changes in any of these categories from one year to the next may affect the grant aid you receive in subsequent years.
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