About Fort Lewis College
The financial picture tells a compelling story for most students. Net prices average $17,339 across income levels, making this one of Colorado's more affordable public options. Graduates earn a median of $46,349 within ten years, while typical debt loads remain manageable at $18,389. Monthly loan payments average just $195, creating a reasonable path to financial stability after graduation.
The student body reflects the school's diverse mission, with 42.6% white students and 14.7% Hispanic students contributing to a multicultural campus environment. Retention rates of 62.6% suggest some students struggle with the transition to college life. The Skyhawks compete in NCAA Division II athletics across 12 varsity sports, with 374 total athletes receiving $2.65 million in athletic scholarships. The 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in this close-knit mountain community.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 77.1%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 40.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 43.1%
- Retention Rate
- 62.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,349
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $54,209 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $46,087 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $43,426 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $41,193 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $35,934 |
| Geological and Earth Sciences/Geosciences. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $34,704 |
| Marketing. | Bachelor | $33,565 |
| Chemistry. | Bachelor | $32,119 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $30,409 |
Campus Life
Students spend weekends hitting the slopes at nearby Purgatory Resort or exploring Mesa Verde National Park just 30 minutes away. The college's strong outdoor recreation programs reflect the surrounding wilderness, with the San Juan National Forest practically at your doorstep. Downtown Durango offers coffee shops, breweries, and the historic narrow-gauge railroad. The 12 NCAA Division II teams compete as the Skyhawks, with 374 total athletes on campus. Fort Lewis maintains its unique mission as one of few colleges specifically serving Native American students, creating a distinctive campus culture that values both academic achievement and cultural preservation.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Housing Capacity
- 1,637 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1911
Campus Safety (2023)
14 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Arson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 13°–39°F
- July Avg
- 52°–85°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 19.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 63.7"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 47.6%
- Women
- 52.4%
- White
- 42.6%
- Black
- 1.2%
- Hispanic
- 14.7%
- Asian
- 0.5%
- In-State Students
- 38.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 36.1%
Location
- Address
- Durango, Colorado 81301-3999
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $46,349
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $46,491
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,500
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 57.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $195/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,389
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Fort Lewis College?
Fort Lewis College accepts 91% of applicants, making it very accessible to most students. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1060-1260 on the SAT. This open admission policy aligns with the college's mission to serve a diverse student body, including its special designation for Native American students.
How much does Fort Lewis College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $17,339 after financial aid at Fort Lewis College. In-state tuition is $9,670 while out-of-state students pay $20,798 before aid. About 36% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many students from lower-income families.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Fort Lewis College?
Fort Lewis College maintains a 14:1 student-faculty ratio with 3,070 total students. This smaller size allows for more personalized attention in classes. The college is known for its strong outdoor recreation programs that take advantage of Durango's mountain location.
What are the graduation rates at Fort Lewis College?
Fort Lewis College has a 43% six-year graduation rate and 41% four-year graduation rate. The retention rate is 63%, meaning about two-thirds of freshmen return for sophomore year. Graduates earn a median salary of $46,349 ten years after enrollment, with most carrying manageable debt loads of $18,389.
Where is Fort Lewis College located and what is campus life like?
Fort Lewis College sits in Durango, Colorado, a mountain town setting that attracts outdoor enthusiasts. The campus houses 1,637 students in residence halls, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. Students are nearly evenly split between men (48%) and women (52%), with 62% coming from out-of-state to experience Colorado's outdoor lifestyle.
Does Fort Lewis College have special programs for Native American students?
Fort Lewis College is one of the few colleges specifically designated to serve Native American students, a unique mission dating back to its 1911 founding. The student body is 43% white and 15% Hispanic, reflecting this diverse commitment. This designation makes it a distinctive choice among Colorado's public colleges for students seeking an inclusive, culturally aware environment.
