Lake Forest College Welcomes Record-Breaking Incoming Class

Lake Forest College’s campus is more bustling this fall, welcoming its largest incoming class in the school’s 169-year history. The student body numbers 1,794, with 423 new first-years and 116 transfers. Last fall, there were 394 freshmen and 89 transfers.

College President Michael J. Sosulski shared that these numbers signify a growing recognition of the college. ‘Lake Forest College is no longer a hidden gem,’ he stated, noting that application numbers are rising and acceptance rates are improving. The college’s location near Lake Michigan and Chicago, affordability, and strong graduate outcomes are drawing more students.

According to Sosulski, 97% of graduates are employed or in graduate school within six months. The four-year graduation rate stands at 70%. Alumni have a median salary of $51,324 six years after graduating, as reported by U.S. News & World Report.

‘We know our students by name,’ Sosulski said. This personal connection aids in providing strong letters of recommendation and nurturing students’ ambitions.

The Princeton Review ranked Lake Forest College 14th for career services. The college remains transfer-friendly, actively recruiting from the College of Lake County and College of DuPage by making credit transfers easy.

Approximately 45% of students come from out-of-state, representing 44 states. International students form 20% of the student body, hailing from 119 countries. Sosulski highlighted the diversity, especially when teaching classic literature such as ‘The Grapes of Wrath’ to a globally diverse classroom.

The college also excels in Division III sports. The football team drew numerous family supporters during a game in Chandler, Arizona. The women’s soccer team boasts an undefeated conference record for the last three years.

Economics, business, and finance remain popular majors, but new offerings in neuroscience and artificial intelligence are attracting interest. The college’s health professions program offers pathways in healthcare administration, nursing, and public health, supported by an affiliation with Rosalind Franklin University Medical School.

Other notable programs include the ‘In the Loop’ summer internship with housing in a downtown hall and maintaining a low 13-to-1 faculty-to-student ratio. ‘You’re not going to be anonymous here,’ Sosulski emphasized.

While Sosulski did not guarantee further enrollment records, he anticipates more growth in applications. ‘We’ve been gaining momentum, offering a quality education at an affordable cost. The secret’s out.’

Andis Robeznieks is a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.