Students at Lewis & Clark College achieve exceptional financial outcomes, with low-income graduates earning more than at 90% of similar institutions nationwide.
The college consistently delivers strong long-term earnings that place it among the top quarter of all colleges for graduate financial success.
Lewis & Clark College delivers strong long-term value despite its selective admissions and higher price point. Located in Portland, this private liberal arts college consistently produces graduates who earn well above typical outcomes, with median 10-year earnings of $62,205 placing it in the 78th percentile nationally. The college serves a more affluent student body, with only 19% receiving Pell Grants, but those who do attend see exceptional results.
What sets Lewis & Clark apart is its ability to help students from all backgrounds achieve strong financial outcomes. Low-income graduates earn a median of $63,400 ten years out, ranking in the top 10% nationally for earnings among students from disadvantaged backgrounds. This performance places the college in the "Selective Achievers" category—institutions that combine limited access with outstanding mobility outcomes for the students they do serve.
As a medium-sized private college with a liberal arts focus, Lewis & Clark offers the personalized attention and academic rigor that help explain its graduates' strong earning power. The college's location in Portland provides access to diverse career opportunities while maintaining the intimate campus environment that characterizes the best liberal arts institutions.
Lewis & Clark College's program portfolio reflects its liberal arts mission while delivering solid career preparation across key fields. Psychology dominates enrollment with 69 graduates and generates the highest aggregate return, though individual earnings of around $30,119 reflect the field's emphasis on graduate training and service-oriented careers. International Relations, with 39 graduates earning approximately $26,121 early in career, prepares students for global careers in diplomacy, international business, and nonprofit work that often require time to reach full earning potential.
Applied Economics stands out for individual earning power, with 24 graduates earning around $36,848 in early career—demonstrating how Lewis & Clark's rigorous analytical training translates into immediate market value. These programs reflect the college's strength in developing critical thinking, research skills, and global perspectives that serve graduates well over the long term.
As a focused liberal arts institution, Lewis & Clark graduates a selective cohort each year, creating strong alumni networks and meaningful connections within each field. The college's Portland location provides access to diverse internship and career opportunities while maintaining the intimate academic environment that helps explain graduates' strong long-term earning trajectories.
Lewis & Clark College graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes that justify the institution's higher upfront investment. Ten years after enrollment, graduates earn a median of $62,205, placing the college in the 78th percentile nationally for earnings performance. This solid earning power reflects both the quality of education and the career preparation that comes with a rigorous liberal arts experience.
The college's strongest programs demonstrate clear pathways to financial success. Psychology, the largest major with 69 graduates, produces the highest aggregate return despite more modest individual earnings of around $30,119 early in career. Applied Economics majors see the strongest individual outcomes, earning approximately $36,848 in early career, while International Relations graduates earn around $26,121 as they enter fields that often require additional experience or graduate training to reach full earning potential. These programs reflect Lewis & Clark's strength in preparing students for careers that value critical thinking, research skills, and global perspectives—qualities that tend to pay off over the long term even if starting salaries appear moderate.
Lewis & Clark College requires a significant financial commitment, particularly for middle- and upper-income families. Low-income students pay a net price of about $17,251 annually, which represents substantial institutional aid but still requires careful financial planning. Middle-income families face costs around $25,542 per year, while high-income families pay approximately $43,993—reflecting the full private college experience.
Most students graduate with manageable debt levels relative to their earning potential. Federal student loan debt averages $19,500, a reasonable amount given graduates' median earnings of $62,205 ten years out. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $29,026, higher than at public institutions but typical for private colleges where families often contribute more directly to educational costs. The college's 0% federal loan default rate indicates that graduates successfully manage their debt obligations, supported by strong career outcomes and the professional networks that come with a Lewis & Clark education.
Lewis & Clark College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
