College of DuPage

Every semester, College of DuPage students make it to Lake Forest College and succeed in our transfer-inclusive community.

We are committed to making your transition to Lake Forest College as seamless as possible. College of DuPage students in all academic areas have a smooth path to their bachelor's degree at Lake Forest, thanks to a special partnership between the two institutions. This partnership includes special agreements including the COD Pathway Scholars Program and generous scholarships and financial aid opportunities for all students.

Pathway Scholar Programs at Lake Forest College

Our Pathway Scholar Programs offer a seamless transition to Lake Forest College for COD students who are looking to major in a variety of areas and have completed their associate of arts degree, associate of science degree, or 60 transferrable semester hours of credit.

Pathway Business, Economics, and Finance Scholars

COD students who seek to major in business, economics, or finance and have completed their associate of arts degree, associate of science degree, or 60 transferable semester hours are eligible for the Pathway Business/Econ/Finance Scholars program. Students will be evaluated at the end of every academic year at the College. Pathway Scholars are required to maintain a 2.0 GPA.

This program is a 2+2 transfer program with guaranteed admission for qualified students. No additional application is required. Students must meet a prescribed curriculum ( please see transfer guide) and have a minimum 3.25 GPA for consideration.

Benefits

  • Admitted students will receive up to a $28,000 Presidential scholarship
  • OR a guaranteed $28,000 Phi Theta Kappa scholarship ($30,000 with GPA of 3.75+) if they are PTK members.
  • Pre-advising during your time at COD by Lake Forest College faculty on course selection.
  • Advising from our Career Advancement Center staff on internships, and career opportunities.
  • Students earning a 3.6 GPA or higher in their first semester will have the option of selecting a fifth course for free in the second semester.
  • Pathway Scholar recognition on their Lake Forest College transcript.
Pathway Humanities Scholars

Lake Forest College will support up to 15 Pathways Humanities Scholars who are interested majoring in the humanities and have completed their associate of arts degree, associate of science degree, or 60 transferable semester hours at COD. Students will be evaluated at the end of every academic year at the College. Pathway Scholars are required to maintain a 2.0 GPA.

Students must have a minimum 3.25 GPA for consideration. Academic areas of focus will include American studies, studio art, art history, Asian studies, communication, English, French, Spanish, history, music, philosophy, religion, theater, and Latin American and Latinx studies.

Benefits

  • Admitted students will receive up to a $28,000 Presidential scholarship
  • OR a guaranteed $28,000 Phi Theta Kappa scholarship ($30,000 with GPA of 3.75+) if they are PTK members.
  • All Pathway Humanities Scholars are eligible for a guaranteed internship. 
  • Pre-advising during your time at COD by Lake Forest College faculty on course selection.
  • Advising from our Career Advancement Center staff on internships, and career opportunities.
  • Students earning a 3.6 GPA or higher in their first semester will have the option of selecting a fifth course for free in the second semester.
  • Pathway Scholar recognition on their Lake Forest College transcript.

Transfer Application and Enrollment Deadlines

Fall 2025 applications are open! Apply today!

The class for Spring 2025 has officially closed as of 12/9.

Bill Murray 200x200
“I chose to transfer to Lake Forest because I knew I would easily be able to make friends and get to know my teachers. [At Lake Forest], everyone cares about helping fellow students succeed.”
Brigit Dunne '18

Transfer Credit Guides

See how your credits will transfer from COD to Lake Forest College.

AP Credits for COD Students

Students who have successfully completed Advanced Placement courses and the appropriate examinations provided by the College Entrance Examination Board may apply for college credit for this work.

As part of recognizing the Associate of Arts (AA) degree and Associate of Science (AS) degree credential, we will accept scores of “3” on Advanced Placement (AP) exams from students whose community colleges have applied such credit towards the hours needed for their AA.

Scores of 3, 4, or 5 on the examinations, may entitle students to at least one course credit. Scores of 1 or 2  are not granted credit. A score of 4 or better on both the microeconomics and macroeconomics exams is required for one course credit in economics.

Each department determines the specific amount of credit to be awarded. Credit will not be granted for both Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate program examinations in the same department.