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 gives you a modest financial return with real risk attached. You pay about $17,000 a year net, walk out with median debt under $19,000, and land at median earnings of roughly $46,000 ten years later. That debt-to-earnings ratio is manageable, but the earnings ceiling is low, and the 43% graduation rate means you have better-than-even odds of leaving without the degree that justifies the cost.
Engineering is the clear winner here. It pays around $54,000, the highest on campus, though you take on the heaviest debt to get there at roughly $25,000. Economics and accounting both land near or above the school-wide median with lighter debt, so they carry the best cost-to-payoff balance Fort Lewis offers. General business drops to the mid-$30,000s while still costing you nearly $20,000 in loans, which is a weak return for the price. Geosciences pays about the same and fits the regional draw of southwest Colorado, but the paycheck stays low.
The biggest risk is completion. A 62% retention rate means nearly four in ten of you don't return for a second year, and if you leave with debt and no degree, the math turns bad fast. Pick a major that pays here or the numbers don't work.
The net price tiers barely move with income. If your family earns under $30,000, you pay about the same $17,000 as families earning over $110,000, who actually pay slightly less. Fort Lewis does not discount much for low income, so if money is tight, run the aid offer carefully before committing.
This school fits you if you commit to engineering, economics, or accounting and finish. If you're undecided or drawn to lower-paying majors, the flat pricing and low completion odds should push you to compare other options.
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.