Officials at Lake Forest College report that the private, four-year school in Lake Forest enrolled its largest incoming class “in history” with the recent start of the 2021-2022 academic year.
“We’re excited to attract such a large and diverse class, especially given the many challenges faced by students researching colleges during a pandemic—40% of our students, for example, were unable to visit campus before making their enrollment decision,” Chris Ellertson, vice president for enrollment, told Pioneer Press in an email.
Officials said in a news release announcing the enrollment that 440 first-year students and 86 transfer students were set to participate in new student orientation Aug. 20. In total, according to the release, the freshman enrollment brings the college’s fall 2021 student body total to 1,650 students hailing from 44 states and 102 countries.
The fall semester started Aug. 26, with students, faculty and staff all in-person since the start of the coronavirus pandemic.
According to the release, the group, described as “diverse and talented” group includes more first-year international students than the school has seen before. Officials said 19% of the first-year students are international and represent more than 50 countries. Additionally, 55% of the incoming undergraduate freshmen, with an anticipated 2025 graduation, are from out of state, and 31% of the non-international students are of color.
“I’m delighted but not surprised by our enrollment success,” Lake Forest College President Stephen Schutt told Pioneer Press in an email. “The College’s appeal is worldwide.”
The college is lauding the enrollment because, according to the release, it comes at a time when some colleges and universities across the country are experiencing enrollment declines. The release states that the incoming student body was selected from a pool of more than 4,300 applicants.
“As students’ college search went virtual, we were able to meet their needs through our campus community’s outreach. I think students learned not only about our academic offerings and career preparation, but our faculty and staff members’ care and commitment. They reported feeling like they already belonged to the Lake Forest community when they decided to attend,” Schutt said in the email.
In addition to marking the enrollment, college officials said in the release that over the course of the last year, capital improvements have been made, including completion of the $20 million renovation and expansion of Young Hall. The college’s Gorter Family Career Advancement Center, “a centralized hub of academic study, gathering, and career preparation,” is housed there. Next month, the hall will be renamed.
The college also opened a new center for entrepreneurship and innovation this fall, featuring interactive classroom and meeting spaces. Officials stated that entrepreneurship and innovation is the most popular minor the college offers.
Varsity men and women lacrosse teams will be able to play on the new Mohr Field, and varsity soccer and softball teams will use it in the spring, according to the release.
