Organizer Information
Lake Forest College is a private liberal arts college located in Lake Forest, Illinois, near Chicago. The institution offers undergraduate majors and minors across the humanities, arts, sciences, and social sciences, alongside graduate programs in teaching and liberal studies. Relevant options for students interested in creative practice and cultural fields include Art and Art History, New Media Art and Design, Cinema Studies, Digital Media Design, Communication, Theater, and Museum Studies.
Key Information
- Official Institution Name: Lake Forest College
- Opportunity Type: University Programs & Admissions
- Study Levels: Undergraduate and graduate
- Degrees Offered: Bachelor's degrees; Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT); Master of Liberal Studies (MLS)
- Academic Fields: Fine Arts, Art History, Film Studies, Digital Media, Design, Communication, Theater, Museum Studies, Creative Writing
- Relevant Programs: Art and Art History; New Media Art and Design; Cinema Studies; Digital Media Design; Communication; Theater; Museum Studies; English and Creative Writing; Master of Arts in Teaching; Master of Liberal Studies.
- Language of Instruction: English
- International Applicants: Yes
- Application Period: Applications open for Spring 2027 and Fall 2027.
- Application Deadline: International first-year applicants requiring a new F-1 visa — 15 February for Fall entry; 1 November for Spring entry. Transfer deadlines differ.
- Start of Studies: Fall and Spring
- Application Fee: No fee stated in the verified admissions information.
- Tuition: Undergraduate full-time tuition — $60,204 per academic year (2026–2027).
- Funding: Merit-based awards, need-based financial aid, and selected Fine Arts Scholarships are available to eligible students.
Field of Study & Eligible Disciplines
Students interested in studio practice, visual culture, digital creativity, film, and related disciplines can explore the following programs:
- Art and Art History: Studio Art, Art History, and New Media Art and Design tracks.
- New Media Art and Design: Digital and interactive practice, time-based media, virtual reality, 3D modeling, and related design approaches.
- Cinema Studies: Film and video history, theory, culture, criticism, and digital video production.
- Digital Media Design: An interdisciplinary minor combining artistic and technical approaches to digital media.
- Museum Studies: A minor examining the theory and practice of displaying collections for educational purposes.
- Communication, Theater, and English and Creative Writing: Additional options for students pursuing media, performance, and writing.
The college encourages interdisciplinary study. Students can combine eligible majors and minors, subject to academic requirements.
General Eligibility
- Lake Forest College accepts applications from domestic and international students. First-year applicants generally apply with secondary-school qualifications, while transfer applicants must provide records from previously attended colleges or universities.
- International applicants who require a new F-1 student visa must follow the applicable international deadlines. Students applying without SAT or ACT scores must participate in an admissions interview.
Educational Background
- Undergraduate applicants: Submit a secondary-school transcript documenting academic preparation.
- Transfer applicants: Submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, along with a secondary-school transcript.
- Graduate applicants: Lake Forest College offers the Master of Arts in Teaching and Master of Liberal Studies. Applicants should consult the relevant graduate program for its specific prior-degree and admission requirements.
Language Requirements
International applicants must submit an official English-proficiency score from one of the following tests, according to the college's international admissions guidance:
| Test | Minimum score |
|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall |
| Duolingo English Test | 120 |
| TOEFL | The published page lists 4.5; applicants should confirm the test version and scoring scale with admissions. |
The college may also arrange an interview to assess English proficiency. United World College applicants may qualify for an English-language testing exemption based on their schooling in English.
Application Fee
| Applicant category | Application fee |
|---|---|
| First-year undergraduate applicants | $0 |
| Transfer applicants | $0 |
The college's official admissions materials state that it does not charge an application fee.
Tuition
| Study level or charge | Billing structure | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Undergraduate full-time tuition | Per semester | $30,102 |
| Undergraduate full-time tuition | Per academic year | $60,204 |
| Activity fee | Per semester | $159 |
| Health Center fee | Per semester | $192 |
| Recreation and Fitness fee | Per semester | $125 |
| Standard on-campus room | Per academic year | $6,565 |
| Meal plan | Per academic year | $6,981 |
| Student health insurance | Full year, 12 months | $2,125 |
| Orientation fee | One-time charge | $200 |
- The published annual total for full-time tuition, mandatory undergraduate fees, standard room, and board is $74,702. Health insurance is an additional charge unless an insurance waiver is completed and accepted by the stated deadline. Room rates and meal arrangements may differ by option.
- Graduate tuition is billed by course: the Master of Arts in Teaching is listed at $4,577 per course, and the Master of Liberal Studies at $3,410 per course. A $200 billing deposit is listed for the Master of Liberal Studies. Confirm the current program-specific charges before enrollment.
Funding & Financial Support
Lake Forest College offers financial assistance to international students, including:
- Merit-based scholarships: International students admitted to the college may receive awards of up to $37,000 per year.
- Combined scholarship and grant funding: For students entering in 2026–2027, combined awards may reach $48,000.
- Need-based aid: Non-US citizens seeking consideration must submit the College Board's CSS Profile.
- Fine Arts Scholarships: Talent-based awards are available in studio art, music, and theater. Studio art applicants must complete the scholarship application and portfolio review; music and theater applicants must complete an audition.
- Work-study: Eligible students may receive campus employment opportunities, subject to visa requirements and available positions.
Fine Arts Scholarship applications have a published deadline of 1 March. Awards are competitive and are not guaranteed.
University Services & Academic Support
- Students can access academic advising and career development through the college's academic departments and Gorter Family Career Advancement Center. The Creative Arts Career Pathway connects students with relevant academic programs and career-planning resources.
- The college also supports interdisciplinary study, for-credit internships, and study-away opportunities. Access and eligibility depend on the relevant program and its requirements.
Application Requirements
First-year applicants must submit:
- Secondary-school transcript.
- One teacher or counselor recommendation.
- Application essay.
- Interview, highly recommended for first-year applicants.
- SAT or ACT scores, optional.
International applicants must also provide the required English-proficiency evidence unless an approved exemption applies. Interviews are required for applicants applying test-optional.
Transfer applicants must submit official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended, a secondary-school transcript, and one professor recommendation. Applicants with fewer than 30 college semester hours may submit a secondary-school teacher recommendation. Transfer interviews are required.
A portfolio is required for applicants seeking a Fine Arts Scholarship in studio art. The published scholarship requirements do not establish a general portfolio requirement for admission to every art-related major.
How to Apply?
Deadline & Timeline
International applicants requiring a new F-1 visa
- Spring entry — Application deadline: 1 November.
- Fall first-year entry — Application deadline: 15 February.
- Fall transfer entry — Application deadline: 23 June, according to the international admissions page. The general application page lists 1 June for fall transfers; applicants should confirm the applicable deadline with the international admissions office.
General first-year application rounds
- Early Action / Early Decision I — Application deadline: 1 November; notification by 15 December.
- Early Action / Early Decision II — Application deadline: 15 January; notification by 1 February.
- Regular Decision — Application deadline: 15 February; notification by 1 April.
Transfer applicants
- Fall entry — General application deadline: 1 August; priority deadline: 1 June.
- Spring entry — Application deadline: 1 January.
Fine Arts Scholarships
- Scholarship application deadline: 1 March.
Location
Lake Forest College — Lake Forest, Illinois, United States
Additional Details
- Lake Forest College is test-optional for SAT and ACT scores; this does not waive the English-proficiency requirement for international applicants.
- The college practices need-aware admissions when reviewing international applicants.
- International students seeking need-based financial aid should submit the CSS Profile as part of the financial aid process.
- Applicants should verify the deadline for their specific entry term and applicant category, particularly international transfer applicants, because the college's general and international admissions pages list different fall transfer deadlines.
- The published tuition figures apply to the 2026–2027 academic year. Fees and program requirements may change in subsequent cycles.