Admissions
Find out what you’re good at, discover what you love, and make a career of it
Top employers want top learners. At Lake Forest College, you'll connect with your passions so you can connect to the world and make an impact with your education.
We don't require students to choose practicality over passion; in fact, we do the opposite. We know that embracing both makes for well-rounded graduates and the strongest job candidates.
We make it affordable.
Introducing the Forester Flagship Program
Our Forester Flagship Program offers qualified Illinois first-year and transfer students an incredible opportunity: it covers 100% of tuition and fees through grants and scholarships that do not need to be repaid.
Along with a low-interest federal loan, almost all food and housing costs are covered as well. With only $2,500 in out-of-pocket expenses for the entire year—and the ability to earn $2,500 through campus employment opportunities—you can focus on your education and future without financial stress.
We're here to help you make it
Our admissions counselors know how overwhelming the admissions process can be at times, and they're here to support you throughout the journey.
Just 30 miles north of Chicago, the third-largest city in the US, we bring the best in career support to set you up for success. Our proximity to Chicago provides access to rich cultural experiences and experiential learning in all fields, earning us consistent rankings for internship opportunities.
Maximizing your college experience: the power of big city proximity
Big school in a big city? Rural college town? With so many educational settings available, how do you pick the right college location for you? Lake Forest College students get to make the most of being near the third-largest US city no matter their area of study.
#1
for
Social Mobility
U.S. News & World Report
#22
for
Student Experience
Wall Street Journal
#3
BEST
Counseling Services
The Princeton Review
#24
BEST
Quality of Life
The Princeton Review
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Attending Lake Forest College means being immersed in a lively community of students, faculty, and staff who want to get things done. Beyond my classes, I have pursued my passions in student organizations and internships, and even led a campaign to change campus policies. Having the skills to not only organize but mobilize such a diverse community unquestionably made me stand out as a candidate.
Apply
Our Fall 2025 applications are now open for both first-year and transfer students. Submit your application today!
Visit Campus
Visit a diverse, dynamic student community. Learn about cutting-edge programs and meet top-notch faculty. Experience a gorgeous wooded lakeside campus near the third-largest city in the United States.
Financial Aid
The Office of Financial Aid offers a personalized approach, helping our students and families by providing timely information, anticipating concerns, and seeking innovative, personalized solutions.
There is no such thing as the “college experience.” There’s only your college experience and what you make of it.
At Lake Forest College, we are academically excellent, curious about the bigger world, and interested in making connections with others. With a campus community representing over 100 countries and nearly every state, Foresters develop a sense of global responsibility and cultural awareness that makes us more empathetic, more connected, and more in-tune with the consciousness of the world.
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