Lake Forest College’s campus, spanning 107 acres, sees more activity this fall. The college welcomes the largest incoming class in its 169-year history. This year, the student body reaches 1,794, comprising 423 first-year students and 116 transfer students. This marks an increase from the previous year, which recorded 394 freshmen and 89 transfers, and from 2024’s 422 freshmen and 92 transfers.
College President Michael J. Sosulski notes, “The secret is out.” The college’s appeal is growing, with increased application numbers and improved acceptance rates. Sosulski attributes this to several factors: proximity to Lake Michigan and Chicago, affordability, and strong post-graduate outcomes. Within six months of graduation, 97% of students secure career-oriented jobs or pursue further education.
Lake Forest College boasts a four-year graduation rate of 70%. Six years post-graduation, alumni have a median salary of $51,324, according to U.S. News & World Report. Sosulski emphasizes the college’s personalized approach: “We know our students by name,” enabling the faculty to write compelling letters of recommendation.
Recognition and Transfer Friendliness
The Princeton Review ranks the college 14th in career services and lists it among the best value colleges. The college actively recruits transfers, especially from the College of Lake County and the College of DuPage. Sosulski highlights efforts to ease credit transfer, stating, “We have become one of the most transfer-friendly liberal arts colleges.” Students transferring with an associate’s degree face minimal credit loss.
Last June, Sosulski became the 15th president of Lake Forest College, inaugurated on April 10 during an on-campus ceremony.
A Diverse Student Body
Out-of-state students account for 45% of the college population, representing 44 states. International students make up 20%, hailing from 119 countries. This diversity adds value to the learning environment. Sosulski shares the excitement of teaching classic texts, engaging students from diverse backgrounds in discussions.
The college benefits from its location and positive word-of-mouth. Division III sports also contribute to its appeal, with a notable number of Arizona players on the football team. The women’s soccer team, a strong contender, finished with a 21-1 record last season. Sosulski appreciates the balance of academics and athletics in Division III.
Popular and Emerging Majors
Economics, business, and finance remain popular majors. The college also offers unique majors like neuroscience and artificial intelligence, enhancing its appeal. More students are drawn to the health professions program, offering pathways in healthcare administration, nursing, and public health. This program partners with the nearby Rosalind Franklin University Medical School.
Additional attractions for students include the “In the Loop” internship program, which provides downtown housing, and a favorable 13-to-1 faculty-to-student ratio. “You’re not going to be anonymous,” Sosulski states confidently, emphasizing the college’s commitment to individual attention.
While Sosulski refrains from predicting continued record-breaking enrollments, positive application trends are expected to persist. “The trend in our enrollment has been positive, even during the pandemic,” he remarks, highlighting the college’s reputation for providing an elite education at an accessible price. The secret’s out.
Reported by Andis Robeznieks for Pioneer Press.
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