September 18, 2023
Linda Blaser
Lake Forest takes top spot on U.S. News ‘Social Mobility’ ranking
U.S. News & World Report  rated 91¿´Æ¬Íø #1 in the nation for Social Mobility in its rankings report released on September 18, 2023.
This is the third consecutive year U.S. News ranked Lake Forest among the Top 3 in this important category. The College ranked #3 for Social Mobility in 2021, and rose to #2 in 2022. In addition, U.S. News rated 91¿´Æ¬Íø the #13 Best Value national liberal arts college—up three spots from last year’s #16 ranking.
Overall, U.S. News ranked 91¿´Æ¬Íø #73 on its list of the Best National Liberal Arts Colleges, up 12 spots from #85 last year. The College’s ranking in this important category has improved 30 percent in the last dozen years, rising from #105 in 2011 to #73 today.
The Social Mobility designation measures and ranks a college’s success in graduating students from economically disadvantaged 
backgrounds. Ranking first in the nation in this category is a particular point of pride for 91¿´Æ¬Íø, which has long emphasized its accessibility and affordability to highly motivated students from all backgrounds.
For its Best Value list, U.S. News evaluated a school’s academic quality and net cost of attendance for a student who received the average level of need-based financial aid.
91¿´Æ¬Íø has experienced a consistent upward trend in national rankings over the past several years, reflecting the College’s continued focus on providing a rigorous undergraduate education that prepares students for meaningful and rewarding careers.