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.
Scholarships are guaranteed for all four years as long as the student maintains a 2.0 GPA and satisfactory academic progress. Beginning with the 2024-25 academic year, merit scholarships, for example the Presidential Scholarship, are restricted to tuition and fees.
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.
Transfer students: Please refer to the transfer scholarship page for further information.
*Please note that the above grid only applies to first-year students entering the College in Fall 2025 excluding United World Colleges.
Not on the grid?
Don’t worry! At Lake Forest College, we know that our students are more than just a number. We are searching for interesting, well-rounded students to add to our already diverse community. Your engagement with the College, accomplishments in and out of the classroom, leadership potential, course preparation, and more will be taken into consideration by our holistic review. Don’t hesitate to apply!
Applying Test-Optional?
Those students who are applying without submitting their ACT or SAT scores must schedule an interview with their admission counselor as soon as possible. We believe that this conversation tells more about a student’s drive and passion for learning than a standardized exam. Students who apply test-optional will be reviewed for scholarship on an individual basis using our holistic review process.
Review Process
As an institution that is truly diverse in every sense of the word, we at Lake Forest College pride ourselves in our holistic admissions review. Whether you find yourself on the above grid or not, your admissions counselor will review your file for scholarship consideration based on qualities that we know make a successful Forester. Beyond just a GPA or test-score, we are looking for students that want a personalized academic experience, paired with the world-class opportunities that Chicago has to offer.
Renewal Requirements
Academic scholarships from the College are renewed with continued, full-time enrollment and a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0. Additional requirements can be found on our Financial Aid for Returning Students page.
Forester scholarships (Fine Arts, Carnegie English, etc.) are renewed by the respective department conditional on meeting the specific scholarship requirements. Renewal decisions are made every spring.
Additional Scholarship/Grant Opportunities
Fine Arts Scholarships
Lake Forest College offers talent-based scholarships in music, studio art, and theater. Scholarships are available to both majors and non-majors, first-years and transfers.
Forester Flagship Program
Our Forester Flagship Program provides qualified in-state first-year and transfer students with 100% of the College’s tuition covered in grants and scholarships.
Nursing Pathways Program Scholarship
In partnership with Rosalind Franklin University, the College is offering a scholarship opportunity specifically for Lake County students. This scholarship has been provided by The Grainger Foundation to support students interested in the Nursing Education to Workforce (NEW) Pathway Program.