Lewis & Clark College

The college offers a traditional Bachelor of Arts degree across 29 majors and 38 minors, with a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1 and an average class size of 19. There are no graduate teaching assistants in undergraduate classrooms. Popular majors, according to U.S. News, include Psychology, Biology/Biological Sciences, Sociology and Anthropology, and International Relations and Affairs. The academic environment is described as one that encourages exploration across disciplines, with a curriculum designed to allow students to take a wide variety of classes. The college emphasizes that majors and minors must be supported by sufficient on-campus expertise to guide students. Annual degrees awarded are highest in Psychology.

Life on the wooded, suburban campus is active and community-oriented, with over 110 student clubs and organizations. There is not a dominant Greek life or party scene; social life tends toward small dorm parties, off-campus gatherings, and events organized by athletic teams. The student body of just over 2,100 undergraduates fosters a close-knit feel. A significant 68% of students live in college-owned, -operated, or -affiliated housing. The culture is heavily influenced by the Pacific Northwest location, with many students engaged in outdoor activities like rock climbing, and active clubs focused on environmentalism, sustainability (like SEED), and beekeeping. The campus is described as a "thriving and diverse community."

Lewis & Clark reports a strong four-year graduation rate and a six-year graduation rate that places it in the top 25% nationally. The first-year retention rate is a healthy 89%, indicating high student satisfaction after the initial year. The median earnings for students ten years after entry is notably above the peer midpoint for similar institutions. One year after graduation, reported earnings are lower, as many graduates pursue service, graduate school, or lower-paying entry-level positions, but earnings show strong growth by the five- and ten-year marks.

The stated comprehensive cost (tuition and fees) for the 2026-27 academic year is $71,092. However, the college is aggressive with merit-based aid, automatically considering all admitted students for scholarships starting at $24,000 per year. Need-based aid is also available, with the majority of financial aid described as "need-based," awarded based on demonstrated financial need and overall applicant strength. The college's net price—the average cost after grants and scholarships—is reported by sources. The financial aid office emphasizes that need-based grants and scholarships do not need to be repaid, but federal loans (both subsidized and unsubsidized) are part of many aid packages. The college does not advertise a "no-loan" policy for low-income students; its aid packages typically include a combination of grants, scholarships, and loans.

Lewis & Clark carves out a distinct niche as the liberal arts college for the Pacific Northwest ethos. It's not a pre-professional pressure cooker nor a purely traditional New England-style campus; it's a place where academic rigor meets environmental consciousness and outdoor adventure. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio and 19-person average class size guarantee a highly personalized education, while the lack of graduate student instructors means undergraduates work directly with professors. Its location—on a stunning, forested campus minutes from downtown Portland—provides unparalleled access to both pristine nature and a vibrant, progressive city. The college attracts self-directed, intellectually adventurous students who are as likely to debate environmental policy in class as they are to organize a weekend hiking trip. Its combination of a high acceptance rate with strong post-graduation outcomes and significant merit aid makes it a compelling value proposition for students who thrive in its specific, engaged, and independent community.