Lewis-Clark State College provides solid value through affordable pricing and strong outcomes in key career programs like nursing, where graduates significantly outperform the institutional average.
The college's zero default rate and manageable debt levels demonstrate that students can successfully navigate their educational investment despite moderate overall earnings.
Lewis-Clark State College is a public institution in Idaho that focuses on providing accessible, career-oriented education at affordable prices. While the college doesn't rank among the top performers nationally for overall outcomes, it serves an important role as an "Opportunity Builder" institution that opens doors for students who might not otherwise attend college. About 24% of students receive Pell Grants and over 40% are first-generation college students, reflecting the college's commitment to serving diverse populations.
The college's strength lies in specific programs rather than across-the-board excellence. Nursing stands out as a particularly strong program, with 160 graduates earning a median of $65,131 ten years after enrollment—well above the institution's overall median of $46,001. Business Administration and General Studies also provide solid pathways, though with more moderate earnings outcomes. The college's 6-year graduation rate of about 45% reflects the challenges many students face, but those who complete their degrees generally find stable employment in regional markets.
As a medium-sized public college in Lewiston, Idaho, Lewis-Clark State College offers the personal attention of a smaller institution while maintaining the affordability advantages of public higher education. For students seeking practical training in high-demand fields like nursing, or those who need an accessible entry point into higher education, the college provides meaningful opportunities despite not ranking among the nation's top-performing institutions.
Lewis-Clark State College's program portfolio reflects its focus on practical, career-oriented education with clear pathways to regional employment. Nursing dominates both in scale and outcomes, with 160 graduates earning a median of $65,131—nearly $20,000 above the institutional average and reflecting strong demand for healthcare professionals in Idaho and surrounding areas. This program represents the college's strongest economic value proposition and demonstrates how targeted professional training can deliver excellent returns even at a modestly-performing institution overall.
Business Administration, the college's second-largest program with 40 graduates, provides more moderate but still solid outcomes at $40,896 median earnings. This aligns closely with the institutional average and reflects the program's role as a versatile foundation for various career paths in management, sales, and entrepreneurship. General Studies, while smaller at 23 graduates, serves students seeking broad foundational education or planning to transfer, with earnings of $36,848 that are reasonable given the program's flexibility.
The concentration in nursing and business reflects the college's understanding of regional workforce needs and student career goals. Rather than trying to excel across dozens of programs, Lewis-Clark State College focuses its resources on fields where graduates can find stable employment and achieve meaningful returns on their educational investment. This targeted approach helps explain why the college can deliver earnings beyond expectations despite moderate absolute earnings levels.
Lewis-Clark State College graduates earn a median of $46,001 ten years after enrollment, which places the institution around the 40th percentile nationally—essentially average performance among public colleges. However, graduates do earn about $3,919 more than similar students at comparable institutions, indicating the college provides some earnings beyond expectations even if absolute earnings levels are moderate. This suggests the college adds meaningful value for the students it serves, particularly given its accessible admissions and affordable pricing.
Earnings outcomes vary significantly by program choice. Nursing graduates represent the college's strongest economic performers, with 160 graduates earning a median of $65,131—substantially higher than the institutional average and reflecting strong regional demand for healthcare professionals. Business Administration graduates, the college's largest program with 40 students, earn around $40,896, which is closer to the institutional median. General Studies graduates see more modest outcomes at $36,848, though this program often serves as a foundation for students planning to transfer or pursue additional credentials.
The college's program mix emphasizes practical, career-focused training rather than broad liberal arts education. With nursing driving much of the institution's economic value and business providing a solid middle-ground option, students who choose strategically can achieve strong returns on their investment. However, the overall moderate earnings levels reflect the college's regional focus and the reality that many graduates remain in Idaho's job market, where cost of living is lower but salary levels are also more modest than in major metropolitan areas.
Lewis-Clark State College delivers strong affordability across all income levels, with particularly compelling value for low-income families. Students from low-income backgrounds pay just $11,234 annually in net price, well below national averages and placing the college in the top 30% nationally for low-income affordability. Middle-income families see costs around $13,343 per year, while even higher-income families pay only $16,387—making this one of the more affordable public options regardless of family financial circumstances.
The college's debt levels are manageable relative to typical outcomes. Graduates leave with a median of $18,500 in federal student loan debt, which is reasonable given the institution's moderate earnings levels. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $10,671, a relatively modest amount that suggests families can cover most costs through grants, work, and savings rather than heavy borrowing. The college reports a 0% federal loan default rate, indicating that graduates generally manage their debt obligations successfully despite moderate earnings levels.
What makes Lewis-Clark State College particularly sustainable financially is the combination of low upfront costs and predictable debt levels. With net prices under $17,000 even for higher-income families and debt loads that align with typical graduate earnings, the college provides a low-risk pathway to a college degree. This affordability profile makes it especially attractive for first-generation college students and families who prioritize minimizing educational debt while still accessing career-focused training programs.
Lewis-Clark State College Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
