About Lewis & Clark College
The financial picture requires careful consideration. While tuition reaches $62,350, the average net price drops to $36,084 after aid. Students graduate with a median debt of $19,500, manageable compared to many private colleges. Ten years after graduation, median earnings hit $62,205, suggesting the investment pays off for most graduates. Only 19.28% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a predominantly middle to upper-class student body.
Women comprise 63.64% of the student population, and the campus draws heavily from out-of-state, with only 11.72% of students from Oregon. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio enables close mentoring relationships. As Division III Pioneers, students compete in 21 varsity sports without athletic scholarships, emphasizing academics over athletics. The 81.54% retention rate suggests most students find their fit in this progressive Pacific Northwest environment.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 12:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 95.8%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 72.3%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 71.2%
- Retention Rate
- 81.5%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $62,205
- Carnegie Classification
- Liberal Arts College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Law. | Doctoral | $55,512 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $48,432 |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $47,260 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $47,260 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $46,254 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $36,848 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $36,848 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $34,704 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $31,133 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $30,119 |
Campus Life
Students embrace the Pacific Northwest outdoor culture, with many spending weekends hiking in the Columbia River Gorge or exploring Portland's food truck scene downtown. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate academic environment where professors know students by name. With 63.64% women and a progressive campus culture, Lewis & Clark attracts students passionate about social justice and environmental issues. The Pioneers compete in 21 NCAA Division III sports with 417 total athletes, though the real action happens in student-run organizations focused on sustainability and activism. Weekend traditions include outdoor adventures and visits to Portland's quirky neighborhoods, all easily accessible without a car.
- Setting
- City-Large
- Housing Capacity
- 1,516 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1867
Campus Safety (2023)
32 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fondling | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Burglary | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Aggravated Assault | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 37°–46°F
- July Avg
- 57°–80°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 44.1"
- Annual Snowfall
- 3.6"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 36.4%
- Women
- 63.6%
- White
- 65.5%
- Black
- 2.7%
- Hispanic
- 12.5%
- Asian
- 4.6%
- In-State Students
- 11.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 19.3%
Location
- Address
- Portland, Oregon 97219-7899
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $62,205
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $52,194
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $35,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 82.0%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $207/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $19,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Lewis & Clark College?
Lewis & Clark accepts 68.59% of applicants, making it moderately selective among liberal arts colleges. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 1260-1400 on the SAT, reflecting the school's reputation for attracting academically strong students interested in progressive education and environmental studies.
How much does Lewis & Clark College cost after financial aid?
The average net price at Lewis & Clark is $36,084, lower than the full cost of attendance of $78,402. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay an average of just $17,251, while the school provides institutional grants averaging $38,167 to 31% of students to make this Portland liberal arts education more accessible.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Lewis & Clark College?
Lewis & Clark maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with just 2,167 total students, creating the intimate learning environment typical of top liberal arts colleges. The small size allows for close mentoring relationships and supports the school's strength in experiential learning and study abroad programs.
What are the career outcomes for Lewis & Clark College graduates?
Lewis & Clark graduates earn a median salary of $62,205 ten years after graduation, with a strong 94.2% employment rate. The typical graduate carries $19,500 in debt with monthly payments of $207, reflecting the school's generous financial aid and the career prospects that come from its strong liberal arts foundation and Portland connections.
Where do students live at Lewis & Clark College?
The college houses 1,516 students on its Portland campus, with room and board costing $15,002 annually. The 81.54% retention rate suggests students appreciate both the residential experience and the school's location in one of America's most environmentally conscious cities.
Does Lewis & Clark College offer athletic scholarships?
Lewis & Clark offers $0 in athletic scholarships as a NCAA Division III institution, focusing instead on academic merit and need-based aid. The school fields 21 varsity sports with 417 total athletes, emphasizing the scholar-athlete ideal typical of competitive liberal arts colleges.
