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$3,552Tuition
2,252Students
48%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$37,724Earnings
Public2-yearNJCAAData: 2023-24

About Lewis and Clark Community College

Lewis and Clark Community College serves the Metro East area near St. Louis as a regional center for both college transfer and career preparation. The school enrolls 2,252 students in a small suburban setting in Godfrey, Illinois. Known for strong transfer programs that help students move on to four-year universities, the college also emphasizes workforce training that connects directly to local job markets. Nearly 99% of students come from Illinois, reflecting the college's deep community roots.

The financial picture here works in students' favor. Average net price sits at just $4,281 per year, with the lowest-income students paying only $356 annually after aid. Graduates earn a median of $37,724 ten years after starting, while typical debt loads remain manageable at $6,751. Monthly loan payments average just $72, making this education highly affordable relative to earning potential. Only 16% of students need federal loans, and 94% find employment after completing their programs.

The student body skews female at 61%, with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personalized attention. Ten varsity sports compete at the NJCAA level under the Trailblazers nickname, with 153 total athletes sharing over $715,000 in athletic scholarships. The 48% graduation rate reflects the reality that many students transfer before completing their associate degrees here.

Academics & Faculty

Lewis and Clark Community College focuses heavily on transfer preparation and career training for students planning to continue at four-year universities or enter the workforce directly. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides personalized attention that many larger institutions cannot offer. Nearly 47.8% of students complete their programs within six years, reflecting the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family responsibilities. The college serves as a pipeline to Southern Illinois University and other regional universities through articulation agreements. Strong programs include nursing, automotive technology, and business administration. With 98.74% of students coming from Illinois, the college understands local workforce needs and tailors programs accordingly.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
16:1
Full-Time Faculty
100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
47.8%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$37,724

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Associate $51,392
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. Associate $49,527
Mining and Petroleum Technologies/Technicians. Associate $48,432
Legal Support Services. Associate $36,042
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. Associate $33,993
Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. Associate $31,133
Criminal Justice and Corrections. Associate $30,409
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. Associate $27,126
Computer Software and Media Applications. Associate $24,035
Biological and Physical Sciences. Associate $22,503

View all 73 programs →

Campus Life

Lewis and Clark sits in Godfrey, a quiet suburb just 25 miles northeast of St. Louis. Students bundle up for frigid Illinois winters and sweat through humid summers. With 61% female enrollment, the campus skews toward women pursuing nursing, education, and business transfer programs. Nearly 99% of students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community feel among the 2,252 enrolled.

Most students commute from surrounding Metro East communities since this is a traditional commuter college without residence halls. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name in smaller classes. Weekends often find students either working part-time jobs or heading into St. Louis for entertainment and internships. The Trailblazers compete in 10 NJCAA sports with 153 total athletes, drawing modest but loyal crowds. Students appreciate the $356 net price for families earning under $30,000, making college accessible for working-class families. The suburban setting offers chain restaurants and shopping centers rather than college town atmosphere, but students value the practical, no-nonsense approach to education.
Setting
Suburb-Small
Calendar System
Semester
Founded
1970

Campus Safety (2023)

3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Dating Violence 1 0 0 0
Domestic Violence 1 0 0 0
Stalking 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
21°–39°F
July Avg
69°–87°F
Annual Precipitation
41.9"
Annual Snowfall
12.5"

Student Demographics

Lewis and Clark Community College draws students primarily from the Metro East region, with nearly 99% coming from Illinois. The student body skews heavily female at 61%, reflecting strong programs in healthcare, education, and social services that traditionally attract women. About one in five students receives Pell Grants, indicating the college serves as an affordable pathway for working-class families in the St. Louis metropolitan area. The predominantly white enrollment mirrors the demographics of southern Illinois suburbs, while the college maintains its role as a regional workforce development center.
Men
38.6%
Women
61.4%
White
78.7%
Black
9.7%
Hispanic
3.2%
Asian
0.6%
In-State Students
98.7%
Pell Grant Recipients
21.2%

Location

Lewis and Clark Community College sits in Godfrey, Illinois, just 25 miles northeast of St. Louis across the Mississippi River. The campus serves the Metro East region, where 98.74% of students come from in-state. Godfrey is a small suburban community along the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River valley. The area combines small-town charm with easy access to a major metropolitan region. Students can reach downtown St. Louis in about 45 minutes, giving them access to internships, cultural attractions, and transfer opportunities at four-year universities. The region is known for its river towns, historic sites, and proximity to both urban amenities and outdoor recreation along the Great Rivers. Students considering colleges in Illinois may also compare Lewis and Clark Community College with similar schools in the region.
Address
Godfrey, Illinois 62035

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$37,724
Median Earnings (5 years)
$45,772
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$28,200
Loan Repayment Rate
55.0%
Monthly Loan Payment
$72/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$6,751

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the admission process like at Lewis and Clark Community College?

As a community college, Lewis and Clark maintains an open admission policy for students with high school diplomas or equivalent. The school serves 2,252 students primarily from the Metro East area near St. Louis. Nearly 99% of students come from Illinois, reflecting its role as a local educational center.

How much does Lewis and Clark Community College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $4,281 per year, making it highly affordable for most families. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $356 annually after aid. With a median debt of only $6,751 and monthly loan payments of $72, graduates avoid the heavy debt burdens common at four-year schools.

What academic programs is Lewis and Clark Community College known for?

The college offers strong transfer programs for students planning to continue at four-year universities and comprehensive workforce training programs. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention in their coursework. The school has built a reputation for preparing students for both immediate employment and further education.

What are the job prospects for Lewis and Clark Community College graduates?

Graduates achieve a 93.6% employment rate, demonstrating strong workforce preparation. The median earnings after one year are $37,413, rising to $45,772 after five years. These outcomes reflect the college's focus on practical skills training and its connections to regional employers.

Where is Lewis and Clark Community College located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in Godfrey, Illinois, a small suburban community that provides a quiet learning environment. With 61% women and 39% men enrolled, the student body leans female. The Trailblazers compete in 10 varsity sports through the NJCAA, with 153 total athletes receiving $715,284 in athletic scholarships.

How does financial aid work at Lewis and Clark Community College?

Only 21% of students receive federal financial aid, largely because the low tuition makes aid unnecessary for many families. The college awards institutional grants to just 9% of students, averaging $5,774 each. This reflects the school's mission to keep education affordable without requiring extensive financial assistance.