Lake Forest College: A Deep Dive into Student Demographics
Lake Forest College, a private liberal arts college located in Lake Forest, Illinois, boasts a rich history and a commitment to providing students with a well-rounded education. Founded in 1857, the college emphasizes critical thinking, analytical reasoning, persuasive communication, and independent thought. This article delves into the demographics of Lake Forest College, examining various aspects such as enrollment, diversity, financial aid, and academic success.
A Snapshot of Enrollment
In Fall 2024, Lake Forest College had a full-time, degree-seeking undergraduate enrollment of 1,793 students. This figure provides a baseline for understanding the composition of the student body. The college also serves adults living in the region through the Office of Community Education.
Diversity: A Multifaceted Perspective
Lake Forest College demonstrates a commitment to embracing cultural diversity. An analysis by College Factual, reveals the college's performance in geographic diversity, student age diversity, and race & ethnicity.
Geographic Diversity
Lake Forest College attracts students from across the nation and around the globe. Approximately 40.36% of students come from out of state, while 6.39% are international students. The undergraduate student body represents 29 states (including Washington D.C.). This geographic diversity enriches the campus environment and exposes students to a variety of perspectives.
Age Diversity
Lake Forest College demonstrates a good job attracting students of all ages. While a traditional college student is typically between 18 and 21 years old, Lake Forest College's age diversity score suggests that it successfully attracts students from various age groups.
Read also: Enhancing Education in Lake County
Race and Ethnicity
The racial and ethnic composition of Lake Forest College's student body is diverse. As of 2023, the enrolled student population is 46.9% White, 18.3% Hispanic or Latino, 6.16% Asian, 3.41% Two or More Races, 3.41% Black or African American, 0.22% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 0.055% Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders. This composition reflects a commitment to creating a multicultural learning environment.
Financial Aid and Affordability
Lake Forest College is committed to making education accessible to students from all economic backgrounds. In Fall 2024, 36% of the degree-seeking undergraduate student body were Federal Pell Grant recipients. Of these, 60% were female and 40% were male. The college admits students regardless of their ability to pay and strives to meet as much of a student’s demonstrated financial need as possible through a combination of grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
Financial Aid Statistics
In 2023, 100% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants, while 71% received financial aid through loans. The average net price, which factors in grants and loans, was $29,894 in 2023.
Graduation Rates and Financial Aid
Students who receive financial aid demonstrate strong academic outcomes. Among Federal Pell Grant recipients in the entering cohort (387), 164 students had a 76.2% graduation rate. Recipients of subsidized Federal Stafford Loans who did not receive a Federal Pell Grant (65 students) had a 78.5% graduation rate.
Academic Programs and Faculty
Lake Forest College offers a wide range of academic programs, including 34 majors and 49 minors. The college encourages participation in off-campus programs, offering over 200 programs in 70 countries.
Read also: Office of Education Initiatives
Faculty and Class Size
Lake Forest College prides itself on its distinguished faculty and small class sizes. The student-to-professor ratio is 12:1, and the average class size is 19. No classes are taught by teaching assistants, ensuring that students receive direct instruction from experienced faculty members. Ninety-six percent of faculty hold a doctorate or equivalent degree.
Curriculum and Learning Environment
The curriculum at Lake Forest College engages students in the breadth of the liberal arts and the depth of traditional disciplines. The college fosters creative talent and independent research, preparing students for productive and rewarding careers. First-year studies classes are small, encouraging interaction and discussion. The FIYS professors also serve as the students' primary academic advisors and help them navigate the College's academic offerings during their first year.
Student Life and Extracurricular Activities
Lake Forest College provides a vibrant campus life with numerous extracurricular opportunities. More than eighty student groups offer leadership development and enhance the campus experience. The College maintains a comprehensive intramural and intercollegiate athletic program, with 25 Division III teams.
Campus Environment
The college is located in the town of Lake Forest, Illinois, 30 miles north of Chicago, along the shores of Lake Michigan. The campus is surrounded by wooded neighborhoods, ravines, natural prairies, and beaches. The Mohr Student Center serves as a hub of social activity on campus.
Chicago Programs
The Center for Chicago Programs connects Lake Forest students to the educational and cultural resources of Chicago. Students can participate in research, internships, and study opportunities in the city. The college also offers the Lake Forest In The Loop program, which allows students to spend a semester living in Chicago and interning.
Read also: Your Guide to Big Lake Community Education
Outcomes and Career Pathways
Lake Forest College is committed to helping students achieve their career goals. The Career Pathways program connects students with networks and charts out a course of four Career Milestones. The college has a strong track record of graduates finding employment and attending graduate school.
Career Statistics
76 percent of Lake Forest College graduates are employed within six to nine months of graduation, and 18.6 percent attend graduate school. Students can complete up to three internships for credit, gaining valuable resume-building experience.
Rankings and Recognition
Lake Forest College has received recognition for its commitment to social mobility and value. U.S. News & World Report released its 2026 “Best Colleges” report, ranking Lake Forest among the top three nationally in Social Mobility for the fifth consecutive year. Overall, Lake Forest ranked #75 among National Liberal Arts Colleges and #11 on the Best Value list. In August 2025, Lake Forest College was named one of the Best 391 Colleges, Best Value Colleges, and Best Midwest Colleges by The Princeton Review.
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