September 18, 2023
Linda Blaser
Lake Forest takes top spot on U.S. News ‘Social Mobility’ ranking
U.S. News & World Report rated Lake Forest College #1 in the nation for Social Mobility in its rankings report released on September 18, 2023.
This is the third consecutive year U.S. News ranked Lake Forest among the Top 3 in this important category. The College ranked #3 for Social Mobility in 2021, and rose to #2 in 2022. In addition, U.S. News rated Lake Forest College the #13 Best Value national liberal arts college—up three spots from last year’s #16 ranking.
Overall, U.S. News ranked Lake Forest College #73 on its list of the Best National Liberal Arts Colleges, up 12 spots from #85 last year. The College’s ranking in this important category has improved 30 percent in the last dozen years, rising from #105 in 2011 to #73 today.
The Social Mobility designation measures and ranks a college’s success in graduating students from economically disadvantaged 
backgrounds. Ranking first in the nation in this category is a particular point of pride for Lake Forest College, which has long emphasized its accessibility and affordability to highly motivated students from all backgrounds.
For its Best Value list, U.S. News evaluated a school’s academic quality and net cost of attendance for a student who received the average level of need-based financial aid.
Lake Forest College has experienced a consistent upward trend in national rankings over the past several years, reflecting the College’s continued focus on providing a rigorous undergraduate education that prepares students for meaningful and rewarding careers.