Overview
Lewis & Clark College is a less selective private four-year institution in Portland, Oregon. The school accepts 68.6% of applicants and enrolls 2,167 students.
Admission Statistics
- Acceptance Rate
- 68.6%
- Average SAT
- 1,330
- SAT Range (25th–75th)
- 1,260–1,400
- ACT Composite (avg)
- 31
- Total Enrollment
- 2,167
Your Chances by SAT Score
Your score is above the 75th percentile. You are a competitive applicant.
Your score falls within the middle 50% of admitted students.
Your score is below the 25th percentile. Other parts of your application will need to stand out.
Admission Guide
Lewis & Clark's application requires you to submit a graded paper from a high school class, making your writing skills immediately visible to admissions officers. Choose a paper that shows your ability to construct thoughtful arguments and analyze complex topics, not just one that earned a high grade.
Your essays should connect to Lewis & Clark's location in Portland and its emphasis on global citizenship. Write about how you plan to use the college's study abroad programs, which send students to over forty countries, or discuss Portland's environmental initiatives if you're interested in sustainability. The college's proximity to downtown Portland offers internship opportunities in nonprofits, government, and startups that you can reference in your application.
Don't overlook the Law and Legal Studies program, which provides direct pathways to Lewis & Clark Law School through accelerated degree options. If you're considering law, mention this connection and how you'd use undergraduate research opportunities to explore legal topics early.
The campus attracts students who care about social justice and environmental issues. Your application should reflect genuine interest in these areas through specific examples of your involvement, not just statements about wanting to "make a difference." Admissions officers can spot superficial commitments quickly.
Submit your application early in the rolling admissions cycle. Lewis & Clark reviews applications as they arrive and awards merit scholarships on a first-come basis. Your chances for both admission and financial aid improve significantly if you apply by December rather than waiting until spring.
The college expects you to take challenging courses but won't penalize you for a few lower grades if your overall transcript shows growth. Focus your application on intellectual curiosity rather than perfect academic performance. Students here typically continue learning outside classrooms through Portland's museums, lectures, and cultural events.
Your recommendation letters should come from teachers who can speak to your writing ability and class participation. Lewis & Clark classes average fifteen students, so professors expect active discussion and critical thinking from day one.
What It Costs If You Get In
- Average Net Price
- $36,084/yr
- Tuition (in-state)
- $62,350
- Students Receiving Aid
- 19%
After You Graduate
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 71.2%
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $62,205/yr
- Freshman Retention Rate
- 81.5%
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lewis & Clark College require SAT or ACT scores for admission?
Lewis & Clark College is test-optional, meaning you can choose whether or not to submit SAT or ACT scores with your application.
What is the application deadline for Lewis & Clark College?
Lewis & Clark College has an early decision deadline of November 15 and a regular decision deadline of January 15.
Does Lewis & Clark College offer early decision or early action?
Lewis & Clark College offers binding early decision with a November 15 deadline. They do not offer early action.
How many transfer credits does Lewis & Clark College accept?
Lewis & Clark College accepts up to 64 transfer credits from other institutions. Students must complete at least 60 credits at Lewis & Clark to earn a degree.