About Us

Academics

Areas of study
The College has 18 departmental and 8 interdisciplinary majors, plus minors and special programs.

Academic year
The year includes two 15-week semesters and two summer sessions. Summer programs include the Writing & Thinking Workshop for high school students.

Off-campus study options
Beijing, Botswana, Costa Rica, Florence, Greece, India, Japan, London/Florence, Paris, Tanzania, Chicago (Urban Studies, Chicago Arts, Chicago Program in Business and Society, Newberry Library Program in the Humanities), Oak Ridge National Laboratory (Tennessee), Washington Semester (American University)

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, Senator Barack Obama, and the John G. Shedd Aquarium.

Library Resources
The Donnelley and Lee Library offers a 24-hour computer lab and wireless access. The library is home to numerous meeting rooms, a rhetoric and production room, a cyber-café, “smart” classrooms, and a technology resource center.

• Library holdings: 273,000 volumes, including more than 40,000 rare or special collection volumes
• 20 million holdings through a partnership with 123 Illinois academic and research libraries
• Photographs: 80,000
• Archives and manuscript collections, including architectural plans and maps: over 300 linear feet

Adult Education
The College serves adults living in the region through the Office of Community Education and the Master of Liberal Studies (M/LS) program. It is designed for those who have completed a bachelor's degree and want to enhance their ability to understand the social, scientific, and humanistic dimensions of topics that illuminate the world of the 21st century.

Center for Chicago Programs 
Tthe Center for Chicago Programs connects Lake Forest students to the educational and cultural riches of Chicagoboth on campus and in the city. Sponsored in part by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation, the Center is an integral part of a student and faculty member’s experience at the College.

Athletics
Lake Forest boasts 17 varsity intercollegiate teams, including 9 women’s (basketball, cross country, handball, ice hockey, soccer, softball, swimming and diving, tennis, and volleyball) and 8 men’s (basketball, cross country, football, handball, ice hockey, soccer, swimming and diving, and tennis). More than 30 percent of Lake Forest students participate in varsity athletics and many more are involved in club or intramural sports.

School name: Foresters
School mascot: Black bear
School colors: Red and black

Alumni
The College and its Alumni Association host events around the country. 13,056 alumni in 63 countries and all 50 states are actively engaged with the College. Many are involved with student mentor programs, assist with internships, and support the College through participation and financial donations.

Capital Improvements
Since the year 2000, Lake Forest College has invested nearly $50 million in campus-wide capital improvements, including the Donnelley and Lee Library, Farwell Athletic Field, Deerpath and Nollen Halls, the Mohr Student Center, and technology enhancements in classrooms and dormitories.

2008–09 Tuition and Fees
Tuition: $32,520
Comprehensive charges: tuition, room, board, and fees: $40,244

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 maintains a very generous financial aid program and 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.

Finances