First-Year Students

You're not just going to college. You're going to make it.

Sure, you're going to learn a lot, make new friends, and have a ton of fun. But what you're really doing is getting ready for the big world out there. 

You're going to find out what you're really good at and what you love doing, and you're going to make a career of it.

We make it affordable.
You make it happen.

View our scholarship grid to see your guaranteed scholarship at Lake Forest College.  

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.

Events for Prospective First-Year Students

View All Admissions Events

Make your passion a career

aerial photo of middle campus

Majors and Minors

Follow your head and your heart. Students may declare up to two majors and one minor or up to one major and two minors.

Student Honors and Research

Student Honors and Research

At Lake Forest, students conduct the highest level of research and scientific discovery with professors who are experts in their fields.

Alumn and student shaking hands

Career Advancement

Through our nationally-recognized Career Pathways program, the Gorter Family Career Advancement Center empowers students with essential skills, experiences, and networks that will help them pursue meaningful careers.

First-Year Student Application Deadlines

Early Action/Early Decision I - November 1
Early Action/Early Decision II - January 15
Regular Decision - February 15

Explore Lake Forest

A campus visit is one of the most important pieces of your college search process. During your visit experience, you will learn more about what life looks like as a Forester. We offer a variety of options to help you get a full picture of our campus community.

Visit Campus

I chose to attend Lake Forest College because I felt this was the college I was destined to be at. When I was applying, I knew I wanted to be a part of an institution that sees me as more than just a number. I wanted the one-on-one connections, and I wanted to go to a college that would help me discover who I am. With every experience I have been through, I feel it has made me the person I am today.

Make the most out of your college experience

Chicago Connections

Chicago Connections

At Lake Forest College, you'll have access to an incredible urban hub with vibrant culture and endless opportunities to advance your dreams.

Student cheering

Student Life

We're a diverse, close-knit community where all students have a voice and all experiences are celebrated. Whether you’re a first-year, transfer, or international student, you'll be welcomed to our gorgeous college campus with open arms.

Global Engagement Office

Global Engagement Office

Welcome to Lake Forest College's Global Engagement Office!

Financing College

Financial Aid

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.

Scholarship Information

Scholarships

Lake Forest College is known for making the college experience an affordable one for our students and their families. You could receive up to $36,000 annually in merit-based scholarship.

Connect with Lake Forest College on ZeeMee

ZeeMee is a social app designed for the college journey where you can meet and chat with other interested students, match on shared interests and passions, try Friend Finder to see potential roommates, and participate in live social events.

Dream it. Make it. Pursue it.—Alumni talk about
how their time at Lake Forest helped shape their current career path.

Finley Jones

Finley Jones '21

Currently I am a Development Intern at the Ravinia Festival focusing on the Ravinia Steans Music Institute (although I used to be a Director of Marketing for a Company in Chicago)

Kayla Goelz

Kayla Goelz '21

Corporate Sales Coordinator at Uline

Audrey Paglia

Audrey Paglia '21

Lake Forest College- Masters in the Arts of Teaching (Elementary Education)

Bringing leadership skills to her future classroom

John Colasacco

John Colasacco '21

Assistant Project Manager at Clune Construction

Molly Gniady

Molly Gniady '21

Graduate school: Masters of Finance at Case Western Reserve University. Employment: Quantitative Modeling and Analytics Rotational Analyst, KeyBank

Cassia Baker

Cassia Baker '15

Remaining curious to what's possible

Read more alumni stories