Lake Forest College SAT Scores, ACT Scores, Acceptance Rate, and Admissions Requirements
Lake Forest is test-optional, but the students who submit scores are bringing strong numbers: the middle SAT range is 1230 to 1400. If your SAT is near or above 1400, submitting it can strengthen your application; if you are closer to 1230, your grades and fit should carry more weight.
Data on this page is sourced from our college data partners and was last updated on July 9, 2026.
Lake Forest College facts and stats
Lake Forest College is a suburban institution with an undergraduate enrollment of 1,814 students. Lake Forest has a 90% freshman retention rate, which is above the national average of roughly 70%. Its 6-year graduation rate is 78%, and the student-to-faculty ratio is 12.7:1.
Lake Forest, IL
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Key Lake Forest College application dates
Key dates
Regular Decision
February 15
Early Action
November 1
Early Decision
November 1
Priority Deadline
—
Financial Aid Priority
March 1
Test dates
August 22, 2026
Registration deadline: August 7, 2026
September 12, 2026
Registration deadline: August 28, 2026
October 3, 2026
Registration deadline: September 18, 2026
September 19, 2026
Registration deadline: August 14, 2026
October 17, 2026
Registration deadline: September 11, 2026
December 12, 2026
Registration deadline: November 6, 2026
Because Lake Forest is test-optional, follow this timeline only if you plan to submit SAT or ACT scores. Take your first test by spring of junior year, then use the summer before senior year and early fall for retakes to improve your superscore. With the November 1 Early Decision and Early Action deadlines, aim for an October SAT or September ACT as your last retake so scores can arrive in time.
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What you'll actually pay
Lake Forest is a private not-for-profit, so the same tuition and fees rate of $56,402 applies to all students. With 82% of students receiving aid and an average merit award of $33,950, scholarships can reduce costs. Submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline.
Lake Forest College’s listed cost of attendance is about $69,102, including $56,402 in tuition and fees and $12,700 for room and board. Aid is common, with 82% of students receiving assistance and an average aid package of $57,630; merit awards average $33,950, with college merit scholarships ranging from $26,000 to $36,000. Graduates leave with an average debt of $33,218.
Student life at Lake Forest College
71% of undergrads live on campus
Fraternities and sororities are active on campus. 6% of men join fraternities, and 7% of women join sororities.
Similar schools
American Islamic College
Chicago, ILAcceptance rate: 100%
Augustana College
Rock Island, ILAcceptance rate: 62.8%
SAT: 1040–1260
ACT: 21–29
Aurora University
Aurora, ILAcceptance rate: 80.8%
SAT: 900–1160
ACT: 21–29
Southwestern Illinois College
Belleville, ILAcceptance rate: 100%
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