Admissions
Financial Aid for International Students
This page is intended for those who are not U.S. citizens or permanent residents. If you have dual citizenship with the U.S. and another country, go to either the New Student or Returning Student page.
Note that all figures on this site are reported in U.S. dollars.
Most people will agree that paying for a college education requires a significant commitment from students and parents. Our Office of Financial Aid shares in that commitment with you, by guiding you and your family through the process of applying for financial aid, and helping to identify the method of payment that will work best for you.
$15,000 Global Enrichment Scholarship (International Students)
Every well-qualified international student offered admission is guaranteed to receive a Global Enrichment Scholarship award of $15,000 per year ($60,000 over four years).
International students may also apply for need-based financial aid and receive consideration for up to $8,000 (in addition to the Global Enrichment Scholarship). If your family is unable to pay the full cost of a college education, please submit the Lake Forest International Student Application for Financial Aid. The maximum grant/scholarship total for the 2010-2011 academic year is expected to be $23,000. You can expect to receive similar aid each year you are here, if your academic performance is consistent with the standards of the College.
Types of Financial Aid
Scholarships from the College are awarded based on academic achievement, as well as demonstrated dedication to the arts, sciences, and community. Scholarship candidates may pursue one academic scholarship and one Forester (talent-based) Scholarship. All are renewable, based on specific college GPA or participation requirements. The scholarship application process is handled by our Office of Admission. More information.
Grants from the College are based on financial need and do not have to be repaid. If you receive a grant your first year, you can expect that grant to continue (without an additional application) each year you are here.
Scholarships and Grants from other sources may be found in a number of locations, including Peterson's, MALDEF (Mexican students) and our Outside Scholarships page.
Loans may be available to you as well. If you have a credit-worthy co-signor who is a U.S. citizen or permanent resident you may contact our office (finaid@lakeforest.edu or 847-735-5015) for recommendations. If you are Canadian, you are also encouraged to contact the Student Financial Assistance branch of your provincial government to see if they offer a program for students.
Work-Study is an opportunity to work on campus and is normally offered if you show financial need and have proper visa status (F-1). Students may work up to 14 hours per week while classes are in session, but most students work 8-12 hours per week. You are paid by check every two weeks for the hours worked. Most students are offered up to $2000 in work-study funds, though this is not guaranteed. If you are offered work-study, you must complete a work-study application. More information.
Applying for Financial Aid
To apply for a Forester Scholarship you must complete the appropriate scholarship application. You may apply for one Forester Scholarship. You must complete the application for admission before applying for any scholarship. The priority application deadline is February 15.
To apply for a grant or work-study, you must complete the Lake Forest International Student Application for Financial Aid or the College Board’s International Student Financial Aid Application. Please complete one of the two by March 15.
More About the Application Process
If we have received your application(s) for financial aid and/or scholarship by the time you are admitted to the College, you will receive a Financial Aid Announcement along with or shortly after your letter of admission. The Announcement will identify the funds you qualify to receive from the College. If you complete a scholarship application after being offered a grant from the College, the scholarship will replace the grant.
If you accept the College's offer of admission, you must also complete a "Confirmation of Financial Support" form, which is provided by the Office of Admissions at the time of your admission.
If "work-study" appears on your Financial Aid Announcement, a work-study application is to be completed by noon on June 19.
