At $36,084/yr net price, Lewis & Clark College graduates earn $62,205/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $28,205/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $36,084 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $144,336 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $62,205/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$28,205/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 71.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $19,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $17,251/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $20,137/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $25,542/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,183/yr |
| $110,001+ | $43,993/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Law. | Doctoral | $55,512 | $149,506 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $48,432 | |
| Mental and Social Health Services and Allied Professions. | Master | $47,260 | $119,806 |
| Student Counseling and Personnel Services. | Master | $47,260 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Master | $46,254 | |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $36,848 | $24,125 |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $36,848 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $34,704 | $20,500 |
| English Language and Literature, General. | Bachelor | $31,133 | $23,250 |
| Psychology, General. | Bachelor | $30,119 | $24,250 |
The Risk Factor
71.2% of students at Lewis & Clark College graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 29% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Lewis & Clark College delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your career path and debt management. The median earnings of $62,205 ten years after graduation provide a reasonable but not spectacular return on the $36,084 annual net price, especially given the 71% graduation rate means nearly three in ten students never finish their degree.
Your major choice determines whether this investment pays off. Law graduates face a harsh financial reality with median debt of $149,506 against earnings of just $55,512, creating an unsustainable debt-to-income ratio. Mental health and counseling programs saddle you with over $119,000 in debt for careers paying around $47,000. Teacher education majors earn less but avoid the crushing debt loads that plague other programs.
The school's location in Portland provides access to a growing job market, but the relatively modest earnings suggest graduates struggle to leverage the city's economic opportunities. The 19% of students receiving aid indicates limited financial assistance compared to other private colleges, meaning most families pay close to sticker price.
Lewis & Clark works financially for students pursuing teaching careers who can minimize borrowing, or those from wealthy families who can afford the full cost without debt. If you need to borrow heavily for graduate school in law or counseling, the numbers simply don't work. The school's 82% retention rate suggests students generally like the experience, but liking college and getting good financial value are different things.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lewis & Clark College worth the cost?
Lewis & Clark College costs $36,084 annually and graduates earn $62,205 ten years later, which is below average for a school at this price point. The 71% graduation rate and $19,500 median debt are reasonable, but the financial return doesn't justify the high cost for most students.
What are the best paying majors at Lewis & Clark College?
Law graduates from Lewis & Clark earn $55,512 annually, making it the highest-paying program. Education and counseling programs pay $46,000-$48,000, which is low considering the school's cost and may not provide adequate return on investment.
How much debt do Lewis & Clark College students graduate with?
Lewis & Clark graduates have a median debt of $19,500, which is manageable compared to many private colleges. However, given the modest post-graduation earnings of $62,205, even this debt level may strain budgets for graduates in lower-paying fields.
Does Lewis & Clark College have good financial aid?
With a net price of $36,084 after aid, Lewis & Clark provides some financial assistance but still remains expensive. The aid doesn't bring costs down enough to make the investment worthwhile for most students given the school's modest earnings outcomes.