Lake Forest College
Lake Forest, IL
Quick Facts
Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education
About Lake Forest College
Lake Forest College: A distinguished liberal arts education on a historic, wooded campus.
Nestled on a picturesque 107-acre wooded campus just half a mile from the stunning Lake Michigan shore, Lake Forest College offers a vibrant and rigorous private liberal arts education in Lake Forest, Illinois. Since its founding in 1857, this esteemed institution has cultivated an undergraduate-focused environment, drawing approximately 1,800 students from 43 states and 114 countries, creating a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences.
Academically, Lake Forest College excels with 34 undergraduate majors and 49 minor programs spanning the humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences. Students can delve into popular and career-focused tracks like pre-law, pre-medicine, communication, business, finance, and computer science, all within a supportive and engaging liberal arts framework designed to foster critical thinking and intellectual curiosity. The college's motto, "Et veritas liberabit vos" (And the truth shall set you free), encapsulates its dedication to academic exploration and personal growth.
The College's journey began as Lind University, established by Presbyterian ministers with a vision for comprehensive education. Over the decades, it evolved significantly, narrowing its focus from a university with professional and preparatory schools to the dedicated undergraduate liberal arts institution it is today, officially becoming Lake Forest College in 1965. This rich history is embedded in its campus, offering a unique blend of tradition and forward-thinking education. Beyond academics, student life thrives with most students living on campus, fostering a close-knit community, and the college proudly competes in 23 NCAA Division III varsity sports, embodying the spirit of active engagement and healthy competition.
Key Highlights
- ✦Founded in 1857, offering 169 years of academic excellence as a private liberal arts college.
- ✦Enrolls approximately 1,800 students representing 43 states and 114 countries.
- ✦Offers 34 undergraduate majors and 49 minor programs across humanities, social sciences, and natural sciences.
- ✦Features popular programs in pre-law, pre-medicine, communication, business, finance, and computer science.
- ✦Nestled on a picturesque 107-acre wooded campus located just 0.5 miles from the Lake Michigan shore.
- ✦Operates with an endowment of $114.9 million (as of 2023).
- ✦Boasts 23 NCAA Division III varsity sports teams, competing as the Foresters.
Timeline
Schools & Colleges
6 notable schools within Lake Forest College
Lind Medical School
Operated from 1859-1863; later became independent and eventually part of Northwestern University (now Feinberg School of Medicine).
Rush Medical College
Became the medical department of Lake Forest University in 1887; affiliation dissolved in 1898.
Northwestern College of Dental Surgery (Chicago College of Dental Surgery)
Served as Lake Forest University's dental department from 1887 until the affiliation ended in 1902.
Chicago College of Law (Chicago-Kent College of Law)
Became the legal department of Lake Forest University in 1889; affiliation ended in 1902.
Lake Forest School of Music
Opened in 1916, offering a four-year Bachelor of Music degree, and operated through 1922.
Summer School of Landscape Architecture
Opened in Summer 1916 in cooperation with the University of Illinois; ceased after 1919 due to low enrollment.
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