Why Lewis & Clark College
We offer an immersive, career-accelerating education grounded in real-world issues; unparalleled access to enriching, high-impact experiences; a culture that sparks curiosity and celebrates authenticity; and a caring community that models collaboration needed to make an impact.
Join Our Community of Innovators
At Lewis & Clark College, our liberal arts curriculum will provide you with the opportunity to explore a wide variety of subjects while you gain deep experience in your chosen field. Our location in vibrant, progressive Portland, Oregon, means you will have plenty of access to hands-on learning through internships and classes. We also have something most other liberal arts colleges do not: direct and accelerated pathways to advanced degrees at our graduate and law schools. We welcome students who identify as lifelong learners and who are dedicated to thoughtful engagement, global citizenship, and leaving the world and your community a better place.
Students
As of fall 2024, there are 2,139 degree-seeking undergraduate students at Lewis & Clark College. Our student body is made up of American students, international students, and students in between (Third Culture Kids), all living and learning together.
Areas of Study
We have 28 majors and 34 minors across art, humanities, mathematics and natural sciences, social sciences, and interdisciplinary programs. Our student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1, and we have no graduate teaching assistants.
NCAA Division III Teams
With 21 varsity athletics teams, you’ll get serious competition both on the field and in the classroom.
Gain Liberal Arts Life Skills
At Lewis & Clark you won’t just read about what you’re studying—you’ll actually experience it. Our visionary academic departments and programs are led by faculty who are experts in their fields and eager to be mentors to their students. Studying the liberal arts means you will have room in your schedule to explore subjects outside of your major field, too, so you will learn how to find connections others miss and learn skills that are relevant to today’s rapidly changing world. Plus, if you’re planning for a career in law, medicine, engineering, business, or teaching, our preprofessional programs offer specialized advising, structured curricular paths, and real-world experiences to help you get there.
Academic ProgramsPreprofessional Programs
Overseas Study Sustainability
What Can You Do With a Degree From Lewis & Clark?
A bachelor of arts degree from Lewis & Clark will take you where you want to go. Your classes, connection to Portland internships, and access to our deep alumni network will give you the real-world skills and mentors you need to succeed in any career or graduate program. In fact, 96 percent of the Class of 2024 was employed, in graduate school, or doing service work (like the Peace Corps), within six months of graduating.
Additionally, our newly launched Career Accelerator is a transformative approach to career preparation. We are setting a new standard for career readiness at liberal arts colleges by integrating skills development and paid internships across all academic programs for the benefit of every student. This initiative is funded by a $5 million dollar commitment from a member of our Board of Trustees, a clear reflection of the board’s belief in Lewis & Clark’s innovative approach to student success.
Explore Career OutcomesCareer Accelerator
Kiara Y. González BA ’27More about KiaraI have the opportunity to explore most of my interests without having to leave campus, get mentors in my disciplines of interest, gain work and volunteer experience both in and outside of campus, and participate in student run activities or organizations. Lewis & Clark has changed my way of thinking.
Htoo Ray Wah BA ’23More about HtooI chose L&C because it has small class sizes, is close to home, and offered me a generous financial aid package.
Carley LaPlaca BA ’22More about CarleyI was especially drawn to L&C because of the small class sizes and the opportunities to form interpersonal connections on campus.
Thriving Campus Community
As far as we know, Lewis & Clark is the only institution in the country that hosts an annual Moss Week. And where else could you join a Tiny House Club? Our students pursue their passions, explore their identities, engage with their communities, and plan events with speakers that bring fresh perspectives to our campus. There’s always something happening, and with more than 110 student-run clubs and organizations to choose from—like Fire Arts, Gaming Society, Queer Student Union, and many more—you won’t have any problem finding your people and a sense of belonging.
Your Pacific Northwest Home Student Life
Support and Wellness
Wellness is one of the key values for Lewis & Clark, which is why we offer a suite of holistic wellness resources: academic, mental, physical, spiritual, and more.
Credit: Nina Johnson
Cheer on Your Peers
Almost 20 percent of our undergraduates compete on our 21 varsity sports teams. Attending games to cheer on your peers is a great way to spend time with friends, build community, and show your school spirit.
Explore Portland
Lewis & Clark is your gateway to a vibrant, progressive city with endless networking, entertainment, and cultural opportunities. We also have a free shuttle that will help you explore all Portland has to offer, like our nationally renowned food scene and the nation’s largest independent bookstore.
Now Your Journey Begins
Lewis & Clark College is calling. As soon as you step onto the nation’s most beautiful campus, you’ll feel like you’ve found your home away from home. Our students are passionate, driven, thoughtful, and ready to make their mark on the world. Are you ready to join them?
Connect With an Admissions Counselor
Our admissions counselors are ready and eager to help! Get in touch; they can’t wait to connect with you.
Featured News
Top Stories of 2025
As the calendar year draws to a close, we’ve compiled a sampling of top stories from the undergraduate college, the graduate school, and the law school.
Damaris Medina BA ’25More about DamarisI love my psychology major because I am learning about people and it’s been nice for me to learn more about how we develop, and how, based on individual experiences and biology, we all turn into unique human beings.
Curtis Shirey BA ’15More about CurtisI was a double major in psychology and rhetoric and media studies, and I found it fascinating how much overlap there was between the two. One of the most interesting things I learned is how humans, in many ways, behave like pack animals—our decisions are heavily influenced by our environment and the behavior of those around us.
