by our College Data Analytics TeamIs Lake Forest worth the money? College Factual’s value analysis weighs the quality of education against the cost. Here is the verdict.
Lake Forest is ranked #2,562 out of 3,211 schools for value nationwide, earning a value grade of F. Within Illinois, it ranks #107 of 112 for value.
These Lake Forest majors earned the highest value rankings from College Factual.
| Major | National Value Rank |
|---|---|
| Sociology & Anthropology | #10 of 15 |
| Political and Social Sciences | #10 of 15 |
| Psychology | #79 of 109 |
| Neurosciences | #110 of 174 |
| Neurobiology & Neurosciences | #114 of 179 |
| Biology | #114 of 179 |
| Economics | #169 of 234 |
| Econometrics & Quantitative Economics | #169 of 234 |
| Bachelor's Degree | #211 of 243 |
| General Business/Commerce | #211 of 243 |
Below is the detailed Lake Forest value breakdown: state and national value rankings, the real cost of a degree, and how the price stacks up against the aid most students receive.
Lake Forest College is ranked #23 out of #129 in Illinois for quality and #107 out of #112 for Illinois value.
Do you qualify for in-state tuition? Check the Lake Forest financial aid page to be sure.
Lake Forest College is ranked #2,562 out of 3,211 for value nationwide.
Based on our analysis of other colleges at similar price points, Lake Forest College is overpriced for the quality of education it provides.
Averaged across all students — those who receive aid and those who pay full price — a year at Lake Forest costs about $29,095. Over a standard four-year bachelor's program, that adds up to an estimated $116,379 for the degree.
| Amount | |
|---|---|
| Sticker Price (before aid) | $70,855 / year |
| Net Price (students receiving aid) | $28,673 / year |
| Average Cost (all students) | $29,095 / year |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $116,379 |
*The average cost weights the net price paid by aid recipients against the sticker price paid by everyone else. The 4-year figure assumes the standard bachelor's length; your actual time to graduate and price may differ.
There are many ways to lower the cost of a college education. Consider in-state tuition, transfer credits, or finishing your degree faster. Learn more about Lake Forest net price and the factors that affect it.
What Lake Forest costs you depends on how much aid you receive, so few students fit perfectly into averages.
Here is how the estimated 4-year cost of a Lake Forest degree breaks down by aid group, against its national value ranking.
| Nationwide Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $283,420 | — | — |
| All Students | $116,379 | #2,562 | F |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $114,692 | — | — |
| In-State Value by Aid Group | Avg Degree Cost | Value Rank | Value Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students with No Aid | $283,420 | — | — |
| All Students | $116,379 | #107 | F |
| Only Students Receiving Aid | $114,692 | — | — |
*College Factual publishes a single overall value ranking (the All Students row). The cost rows show what each aid group pays toward the same degree.
You can also see how the average net price at Lake Forest shifts with family income:
| Family Income | Avg Net Price / Year |
|---|---|
| $0–$30K | $19,067 |
| $30K–$48K | $19,086 |
| $48K–$75K | $23,694 |
| $75K–$110K | $28,799 |
| Over $110K | $34,614 |
About 99% of Lake Forest undergraduates receive grant or scholarship aid, averaging $49,998 per year. Get more details on the Lake Forest financial aid you may qualify for.
College Factual calculates value by comparing the average Lake Forest cost of a degree against other schools of a similar quality. If the school is priced fairly for the educational quality it provides, it receives a fair ranking; if it is underpriced, it earns a good or excellent value.
Read the full Best for the Money Ranking Methodology.