At $17,339/yr net price, Fort Lewis College graduates earn $46,349/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,349/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $17,339 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $69,356 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,349/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,349/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 43.1% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,389 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,272/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,612/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,105/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $16,703/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,310/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
43.1% of students at Fort Lewis College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Fort Lewis College delivers below-average financial returns with significant academic risk. The median 10-year earnings of $46,349 provide modest value against the $17,339 annual net price, but the 43% graduation rate means you face nearly even odds of completing your degree.
Engineering stands out as the clear financial winner at $54,209 annually, though you'll carry higher debt at $25,397. Economics and accounting provide solid mid-40s earnings with more manageable debt loads. Business graduates earn just $35,934 despite similar debt to accounting majors, making it a poor value proposition at this school.
The low retention rate of 63% signals academic struggles that could derail your investment entirely. If you need extensive academic support or prefer structured environments, Fort Lewis may not provide the foundation you need to reach graduation.
This school works best for self-directed Colorado residents who want small classes and outdoor recreation access while studying engineering or economics. Out-of-state students should consider alternatives with stronger graduation rates. The 36% financial aid rate suggests limited need-based assistance, so budget carefully if your family income exceeds federal aid thresholds.
Fort Lewis makes sense if you're certain about engineering and value the mountain location, but the graduation risk makes it unsuitable for students exploring majors or needing significant academic support to succeed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Fort Lewis College worth the cost given its low graduation rate?
Fort Lewis College's 43% graduation rate is concerning for a school costing $17,339 per year. More than half of students don't finish their degrees, which significantly hurts the return on investment for families.
What are the best paying majors at Fort Lewis College?
Engineering graduates earn the highest salaries at $54,209 annually, followed by economics at $46,087. Business majors earn $35,934, which is below the school's overall graduate average of $46,349.
How much debt do Fort Lewis College graduates typically have?
The median debt load is $18,389, which is manageable compared to national averages. However, this only reflects students who actually graduate, not the 57% who leave without a degree.
Does Fort Lewis College provide good value for Colorado students?
The net price of $17,339 is reasonable for Colorado, but graduate earnings of $46,349 are modest. Students should focus on higher-paying programs like engineering to justify the cost.