Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 40.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 43.1%
- Retention Rate
- 62.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $46,349
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $18,389
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 57.7%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $195/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $54,209 | $25,397 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $46,087 | |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $43,426 | $19,225 |
| Educational Administration and Supervision. | Master | $41,193 | |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Bachelor | $35,934 | $19,674 |
| 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 | $15,000 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $30,409 | |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $29,202 | $15,163 |
| Public Health. | Bachelor | $28,960 | $13,262 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $28,236 | |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $26,121 | $16,250 |
| Biology, General. | Bachelor | $25,856 | $17,653 |
Outcomes Overview
Fort Lewis graduates face a mixed financial picture after college. The median debt of $18,389 creates monthly payments of $195, consuming about 5% of typical graduate income. With median earnings of $46,349 ten years out, the debt-to-income ratio sits at a reasonable 40%. However, the 57.66% loan repayment rate suggests many graduates struggle initially. The college's strong outdoor recreation and Native American studies programs often lead graduates into education, social services, and outdoor industry careers that prioritize mission over high salaries. The 95.1% employment rate shows graduates find work, but earnings growth remains modest compared to technical fields. Overall, Fort Lewis offers an average return on investment for students seeking meaningful careers over maximum earnings.