Lake Forest College's published cost of attendance is $70,655. Financial aid reshapes that figure across income levels: low-income families pay approximately $19,605, middle-income families pay around $21,481, and higher-income families pay approximately $35,341.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $70,655 |
| Tuition and Fees | $56,402 |
| Room and Board | $12,700 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,350 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$41,982 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $28,673 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $19,605 |
| $30–48k | $20,210 |
| $48–75k | $21,481 |
| $75–110k | $26,055 |
| $110k+ | $35,341 |
Lake Forest College's published cost of attendance is $70,655. Financial aid reshapes that figure across income levels: low-income families pay approximately $19,605, middle-income families pay around $21,481, and higher-income families pay approximately $35,341. Azimuth ranks Lake Forest College #1191 for post-graduation affordability among nonprofit four-year institutions. Net prices by income band are medians within those bands; individual aid packages vary, so some families in each band pay more and some less than the figures shown. Lake Forest College participates in federal need-based aid programs (Pell Grants, Direct Loans) and institutional aid. Families apply using the FAFSA, and the college evaluates demonstrated financial need to determine aid eligibility. Merit-based scholarships may also be available; prospective students should review the college's financial aid page for current aid policies and application requirements. Median federal student loan debt at graduation is $26,158, and families using Parent PLUS borrow a median of $35,000; private or institutional loans may add further borrowing that falls outside these federal-only figures — see the Parent PLUS risk framework for how household context shapes PLUS decisions. For a graduate at the institution's median four-year earnings of $62,893, median federal debt of $26,158 projects to a monthly payment of about $296 under standard ten-year repayment. For personalized projections across earnings scenarios — including Parent PLUS planning — use Azimuth's Financial GPS tool.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt-to-earnings data not available.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Graduates of Lake Forest College earn median 4-year earnings of $62,893, placing Lake Forest College in the 63.0 percentile for median earnings four years after enrollment among nonprofit four-year institutions. Graduates earn about $1,932 less than similar students at comparable institutions, placing Lake Forest College in the 49.7 percentile for earnings beyond expectations among nonprofit four-year institutions. Azimuth ranks Lake Forest College #647 for return on investment among nonprofit four-year institutions. The earnings pattern reflects Lake Forest College's concentration in business and professional fields. Business/Commerce, General is the largest program by aggregate return, combining substantial enrollment with solid mid-career pay. Among the most popular majors, Business/Commerce, General enrolls 53 graduates with median 4-year earnings of $74,632, while Research Psychology and Biology, General also anchor the institution's degree output. Biology, General graduates earn median 4-year earnings of $48,287, performing at 0.8× the national benchmark for the field. Communication and Media Studies rounds out the top programs with 30 graduates earning median 4-year earnings of $64,580, at 1.1× benchmark. This program mix — anchored in Business — supports consistent mid-career outcomes across the institution's undergraduate portfolio.
