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Chicago State University vs Lake Forest College

Chicago State University is a public university in Chicago, IL, and Lake Forest College is a private college in Lake Forest, IL. Chicago State University is the more selective of the two, admitting about 43% of applicants against 57% at Lake Forest College. Chicago State University is the cheaper of the two after aid, averaging about $12,335 a year against $28,673 at Lake Forest College. About 74% of students graduate at Lake Forest College, compared with 16% at Chicago State University. Ten years after enrolling, Lake Forest College alumni earn a median of about $61,825, against $42,778 for Chicago State University.

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Chicago State University

Chicago, IL · Public

Lake Forest College

Lake Forest, IL · Private
At a glance
Type
Public
Private
Location
Chicago, IL
Lake Forest, IL
Setting
Urban
Suburban
Undergraduates
1,384
1,813
Acceptance rate
43%
57%
Admissions
GPA (admitted)
3.2–3.9
3.51–4
SAT (middle 50%)
750–963
1190–1393
ACT (middle 50%)
15–19
28–32
Test policy
Test optional
Test optional
Cost
Avg net price / yr
$12,335
$28,673
Full cost / yr
$29,764
$70,655
In-state tuition
$12,754
$56,402
Out-of-state tuition
$12,754
$56,402
Application fee
Not reported
$0
Net price by family income
Family income under $30k
$9,073
$19,605
$30k - $48k
$9,550
$20,210
$48k - $75k
$11,334
$21,481
$75k - $110k
$13,899
$26,055
Over $110k
$28,427
$35,341
Outcomes
Graduation rate
16%
74%
Freshman retention
57%
90%
Median earnings (6 yr)
$33,805
$51,324
Median earnings (10 yr)
$42,778
$61,825
Median debt at graduation
$30,625
$26,158
Student body
Pell grant recipients
58%
32%
First-generation students
42%
25%
International students
3%
20%
Deadlines
Early decision
Not reported
Nov 1
Early action
Not reported
Nov 1
Regular decision
Rolling
Feb 15

Net price is the average across aided students (U.S. College Scorecard). Your actual cost and admission odds depend on your profile. Take the free Matchmaker for your own numbers.

Frequently asked questions
Is Chicago State University or Lake Forest College harder to get into?
Chicago State University is harder to get into. It admits about 43% of applicants, compared with 57% at Lake Forest College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
Which is cheaper, Chicago State University or Lake Forest College?
Chicago State University is cheaper on average. Students pay about $12,335 a year after grants and scholarships, against about $28,673 at Lake Forest College. Your own odds and price depend on your profile, so take Blueprint's free Matchmaker to see your numbers at both.
What is the full cost of attendance at Chicago State University and Lake Forest College?
Before aid, Chicago State University costs about $29,764 a year and Lake Forest College about $70,655. That is the sticker price; most students pay less once grants and scholarships are applied.
Which is cheaper for a family earning under $30,000, Chicago State University or Lake Forest College?
Chicago State University. Families earning under $30,000 a year pay about $9,073 there, against about $19,605 at Lake Forest College. Aid is income-tested, so this can differ from the average price and from the sticker price.
Which is bigger, Chicago State University or Lake Forest College?
Lake Forest College is the larger of the two, with about 1,813 undergraduates against 1,384 at Chicago State University.
Does Chicago State University or Lake Forest College have a better graduation rate?
Lake Forest College has the higher graduation rate, at about 74% against 16% at Chicago State University.
Do graduates of Chicago State University or Lake Forest College earn more?
Lake Forest College alumni earn more on average: a median of about $61,825 ten years after enrolling, against about $42,778 for Chicago State University. Earnings vary far more by major than by school.
Do Chicago State University and Lake Forest College require SAT or ACT scores?
Chicago State University is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them. Lake Forest College is test optional, so scores are considered only if you choose to send them.
What SAT scores do Chicago State University and Lake Forest College look for?
The middle 50% of admitted students score 750–963 at Chicago State University and 1190–1393 at Lake Forest College. A quarter of admitted students scored below those ranges.

Related comparisons

Which of these is the better fit for you?

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