August 28, 2026
Linda Blaser
Lake Forest College welcomes largest incoming class in College history
Sunny weather made for an enjoyable first day of classes.
The 2026 fall semester made Lake Forest College history with the largest incoming class in 169 years.
The College began the fall semester with 423 members of the Class of 2030 and 116 new transfer students on the first day of classes Thursday, August 27.
“This is an outstanding achievement,” said President Michael J. Sosulski. “We are thrilled to see this remarkable group of students begin their Lake Forest College experience.”
The size and diversity of this incoming class, Sosulski continued, “reflect the growing interest in what a Lake Forest education makes possible: a close-knit community, a rigorous liberal arts education, and the opportunity for students to discover and pursue what comes next. We are excited to begin this journey with them.”
‘Future is bright’
The newest Foresters hail from more than 30 states and 50 countries. In addition, 49 percent are from out-of-state, 20 percent are international students, and 41 percent of domestic students identify as students of color.
“We are proud to welcome the largest incoming class in history to Lake Forest College,” Francis B. “Spike” Gummere Vice President for Enrollment Chris Ellertson said. “Equally exciting is the increase in our yield rate—the percentage of admitted students who choose to enroll. That is an important indicator of the growing interest in a Lake Forest College education and the confidence students and their families have in the experience we offer. The future is bright at Lake Forest College.”
Across campus, the College’s total fall enrollment was 1,794 students from 44 states and 119 countries. Overall, 45 percent of all students are from out of state; 20 percent are international; 42 percent are domestic students who identify as students of color; and 16 percent are transfer students.
