Lake Forest College is experiencing an exciting time as its 107-acre campus hosts the largest incoming class in its 169-year history. This fall, the student body consists of 1,794 members, including 423 first-year students and 116 transfers from other schools. This is a significant increase from previous years, which saw 394 freshmen and 89 transfers last fall, and 422 freshmen and 92 transfers in 2024.
College President Michael J. Sosulski shares the growing popularity of Lake Forest College, stating, “The secret is out.” He attributes this rise to several key factors, including the school’s proximity to Lake Michigan and Chicago, affordability, and strong post-graduate outcomes.
“Within six months, 97% of our graduates are either employed in career-type jobs or they’re in graduate school,” Sosulski said.
The college boasts a four-year graduation rate of 70%, and six years after graduation, alumni earn a median salary of $51,324 according to U.S. News & World Report. Sosulski emphasizes the personal attention students receive at Lake Forest College, where professors know students by name, leading to strong letters of recommendation and nurturing of student ambitions.
The Princeton Review recognizes Lake Forest College for its exceptional career services, ranking it 14th in the nation. The college actively recruits transfer students, particularly from the College of Lake County and the College of DuPage, by removing barriers to credit transfers.
“We’ve turned into one of the most transfer-friendly liberal arts colleges in the country,” Sosulski explained.
Sosulski, who became the 15th president of Lake Forest College last June, highlighted that around 45% of the students come from out of state, representing 44 states and around 20% of students are international, representing 119 countries. This diversity enriches classroom discussions, such as examining classic texts from varied cultural perspectives.
Lake Forest College’s strong Division III sports programs, including the undefeated women’s soccer team in their conference and successful football program with Arizona players, further enhance its appeal. Sosulski praises Division III for prioritizing academics alongside athletics.
Popular majors at Lake Forest College include economics, business, and finance. The institution also offers emerging fields like neuroscience and artificial intelligence, and its health professions program partners with Rosalind Franklin University Medical School.
Sosulski highlights the college’s “In the Loop” summer internship program with housing in downtown, and a favorable 13-to-1 faculty-to-student ratio that ensures personal attention for every student.
While Sosulski doesn’t forecast continuous record-breaking enrollments, he anticipates growing applications due to the positive enrollment trends, even through the pandemic. He believes the education offered at Lake Forest College provides an elite experience at an affordable price, and that this reputation is spreading.