Paying for College
The Value of a Lewis & Clark Education
A Lewis & Clark education is an investment in your future. Graduating from college might feel really far away, but the work you do at L&C will prepare you for whatever comes next. In fact, the top career competencies identified by the National Association of Colleges and Employers align perfectly with the core values of a liberal arts education: critical thinking, written and verbal communication, teamwork, and problem solving. Plus, we’re so confident that first-year students will graduate in four years that if you don’t, we’ll cover the extra semester of tuition.
At Lewis & Clark, you will build relationships with professors and peers, gain practical experience through internships in Portland and beyond, and create connections among ideas and across disciplines. The Career Center and the Bates Center for Entrepreneurship and Leadership will support your career success through advising, networking, resources, programming, and more. You’ll graduate ready to take on the world. In addition, we offer something that most other colleges of our size do not: multiple ways to make the most of your future here at L&C through clear and direct pathways to our Graduate School of Education and Counseling and Law School!
Annabelle Rousseau BA ’23More about AnnabelleLewis & Clark provided me with a substantial financial aid package, which made the decision to attend this school easier.
Beau Staun-List BA ’25More about BeauL&C was one of the most generous in terms of financial aid, and I couldn’t pass up the chance to study abroad with the support of the school behind me. With L&C’s help, I’ve been able to prioritize my studies while also balancing a light part-time job.
Annabelle Samson BA ’27More about AnnabelleI always hoped I would get to attend a small liberal arts college, but I never thought it would be a real possibility until I saw the financial aid package Lewis & Clark offered me. The scholarships I was offered closed the gap between private and public education, allowing me to pursue my dreams the way I imagined.
Cost of Attendance
The number you see—the total cost of tuition, room, board, travel, and personal expenses—is not usually what you will pay. Last year, Lewis & Clark distributed over $74 million in assistance from institutional, federal, state, and private sources.
Tuition Rates 2024–25
- Tuition and fees: $64,828
- Housing (double occupancy room): $8,856
- Food (14-meal flex plan): $6,792
- Books, transportation, and personal expenses (estimate): $3,652
- Health insurance: $3,887/year (2023–24 cost); waiver available
Ways to Fund Your Education
A private liberal arts education is often more affordable than you think. We can also help you understand the options that are available for covering the costs that remain after your financial aid has been applied.
Applying for Aid
In order to determine eligibility for need-based aid, you must fill out the FAFSA on the U.S. Department of Education website. Our federal school code is 003197.
Scholarships and Grants
This type of aid does not need to be repaid when you graduate. We offer a variety of scholarships based on academic merit and financial need, as well as a few performance-based awards in entrepreneurship, speech and debate, and music.
On-Campus Employment
We offer both need-based (Federal Work-Study) and non-need-based awards. A variety of interesting and rewarding work opportunities are available in offices around campus.
Payment Plan
We offer a payment plan that allows you to split each semester’s payment into five monthly installments, for a total of ten payments over the course of the year.
Invest in Yourself
Calculate Your Cost to Attend L&C
Even before you submit your forms, you can get an idea of what it might cost to attend Lewis & Clark by using our net price calculator. This tool helps you estimate what financial aid might be available.