Rankings
Top national liberal arts colleges
ranked by:
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U.S. News & World Report
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Washington Monthly magazine
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Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education rankings
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Kiplinger’s Best Value Colleges
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MONEY Magazine
U. S. News & World Report - Best Colleges (2021)
- #2 Best for Social Mobility
- #33 Best Value School
- #84 Best National Liberal Arts College
Top colleges nationwide cited by the Princeton Review
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#4 Best Science Lab Facilities
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#9 Best Health Services
- #9 Best Counseling Services
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#14 Best Schools for Internships
Washington Monthly
- #15 Best Bang for your Buck: Midwest
- #37 Best National Liberal Arts College
America’s Best 25 Colleges for Internship Placement
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CEOWorld Magazine
Location
Lake Forest College is located in the suburban town of Lake Forest, a half mile from Lake Michigan and 30 miles north of downtown Chicago. The College’s 107 acres are spread out across three campuses that are divided by wooded ravines. It is home to more than 250 species of naturalized plants and 187 bird species.
With classic 19th and 20th Century architecture, mature oak trees, and numerous green spaces, the College has been and remains a popular place to film movies.
Student Body
| Total undergraduates | 1,566 |
| Women | 925 |
| Men | 641 |
| International students (including dual citizens) | 242 |
- Our students come from 43 states, Washington D.C., the U.S. Virgin Islands, and more than 80 countries.
- 39% are either ethnic minority or international students
- More than 40 languages are spoken on campus
Faculty
Lake Forest professors regularly include undergraduates in their primary research and supervise independent research projects.
| Teaching faculty | 181 |
| Full-time professors holding the PhD or equivalent | 96% |
| Student–faculty ratio | 12:1 |
| Average class size | 19 |
They receive fellowships and grants from such notable organizations as the Fulbright Program, National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, National Endowment for the Humanities, Freeman Foundation, Mellon Foundation, MacArthur Foundation, Getty Trust, Goldsmith Foundation, and Kemper Foundation.
Areas of Study
The College has 32 majors, plus minors and special programs. Students can declare up to two majors and one minor, or one major and two minors.
Academic Year
The year includes two 15-week semesters and three four-week terms in the summer session.
Off-Campus Study
Participating in an off-campus program, whether to study, intern, research, or volunteer, can be a life-changing experience and is highly encouraged at Lake Forest. Students may participate for credit in a total of two semester-long programs chosen from our list of 200+ programs in 70 countries. The programs on this list may be sponsored by Lake Forest College, the Associated Colleges of the Midwest, or one of several trusted program providers.
Internships
Students pursue a wide range of internships in the Chicago area, nationwide, and abroad. In recent years, students have held internships with such organizations as the Alliance Française de Chicago, The Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago Blackhawks, Chicago Board of Trade, Chicago Council on Global Affairs, Edelman Public Relations Worldwide, French Connections Films (Paris), International Herald Tribune (Paris), Morgan Stanley, NBC Chicago, Paine Webber, Second City, and the John G. Shedd Aquarium.
Community Education
The College serves adults living in the region through the Office of Community Education. The College currently offers a Master of Liberal Studies (M/LS) program and Master’s of Arts in Teaching (MAT) program.
Center for Chicago Programs
The Center for Chicago Programs connects Lake Forest students to the educational and cultural riches of Chicago both on campus and in the city. The Center is an integral part of the student and faculty experience at the College.
Athletics
Lake Forest has 23 Division III teams, including 12 women’s (basketball, cross country, distance indoor track, distance outdoor track, golf, handball, ice hockey, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, and volleyball) and 11 men’s (basketball, cross country, distance indoor track, distance outdoor track, football, golf, handball, ice hockey, soccer, swimming and diving, and tennis). Many students are also involved in club or intramural sports. Men's and women's lacrosse coming in fall 2021.
Team name: Foresters
School mascot: Boomer the Bear
School colors: Red and black
Alumni
The College and its Alumni Board host events around the country. More than 13,000 alumni, in 63 countries and all 50 states, participate in student mentor programs, assist with internships, and support the College through donations.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
Lake Forest College admits students regardless of their ability to pay, so that qualified students from all economic backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue their academic goals. Lake Forest is committed to meeting as much of a student’s demonstrated financial need as possible, which may include a combination of federal/state/college grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. The College offers several merit-based scholarships, recognizing academic achievement, talent, and community engagement.