At $12,832/yr net price, Lewis-Clark State College graduates earn $46,001/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $12,001/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,832 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $51,328 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $46,001/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$12,001/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 4.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 44.7% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $18,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $11,234/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,191/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $13,343/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $14,039/yr |
| $110,001+ | $16,387/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Bachelor | $65,131 | $15,838 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $52,107 | $17,577 |
| Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods. | Bachelor | $44,170 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $40,896 | $19,469 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Bachelor | $36,848 | $21,500 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Bachelor | $36,745 | $23,250 |
| Accounting and Related Services. | Bachelor | $35,060 | $22,000 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods. | Bachelor | $33,687 | $26,000 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $33,281 | $12,000 |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness. | Bachelor | $29,141 | $19,500 |
The Risk Factor
44.7% of students at Lewis-Clark State 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
Lewis-Clark State College gives you a mixed financial picture that hinges almost entirely on your major. The median debt is low and the net price sits under most public four-year schools, so the downside risk is contained. But median earnings ten years out land in the mid-$40,000s, which means the payoff is modest unless you pick the right program.
Nursing is the clear winner here. It pays roughly $20,000 more per year than any other bachelor's program at this school, and it does so with the lowest debt on the list. If you can get into and finish the nursing program, the math works strongly in your favor, and demand for nurses across the rural Lewiston and wider Idaho-Washington region is steady.
The other programs are where you need to be careful. Criminal justice and general liberal arts leave you with the highest debt loads while paying the least, near $36,000. Business administration sits in the middle but still carries more debt than nursing for lower pay. Picking one of these means you take on more borrowing for a weaker return.
The biggest risk at this school is finishing at all. Fewer than half of students graduate, and only about two-thirds return after the first year. Debt without a degree is the worst outcome, and those completion numbers make it a real possibility.
The net price tiers are unusual: if your family earns under $48,000, you pay less than families in the middle and upper brackets. That makes this a solid financial fit for lower-income Idaho residents, especially those aiming at nursing. If you want a broad liberal arts degree or are unsure you'll finish, look harder before you enroll.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lewis-Clark State College worth the money?
Lewis-Clark State College offers decent value if you choose the right program, with nursing graduates earning $65,131 annually against relatively low debt of $18,500. However, the 44.7% graduation rate means many students leave without a degree, and liberal arts graduates earn just $36,848 ten years out.
What are the best paying majors at Lewis-Clark State College?
Nursing programs at Lewis-Clark State College provide the strongest return, with graduates earning $65,131 annually. Allied health fields follow at $52,107, while business and liberal arts majors earn significantly less at around $40,000-37,000.
How much debt do Lewis-Clark State College graduates have?
Lewis-Clark State College graduates carry a median debt of $18,500, which is manageable compared to national averages. This relatively low debt load helps improve the overall return on investment, especially for higher-earning nursing and health program graduates.
Does Lewis-Clark State College have a good graduation rate?
Lewis-Clark State College has a 44.7% graduation rate, meaning more than half of students who start don't finish their degree. This low completion rate significantly impacts the school's overall value proposition and increases the risk of student debt without degree completion.