Why Lewis & Clark College
Join a Community of Innovators
At Lewis & Clark College, your path is limitless. 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 2022, there are 2,188 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 29 majors and 33 minors across art, humanities, mathematics and natural sciences, social sciences, and interdisciplinary programs. Our student-to-faculty ratio is 13:1, 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.
Academic 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 Classes of 2018-2020 were employed, in graduate school, or doing service work (like the Peace Corps), within six months of graduating.
Sam Peers Nitzberg BA ’19More about SamI felt unusually welcomed when visiting Lewis & Clark as a prospective student, which is actually kind of refreshing when you’re looking at colleges. Some schools make you feel like a faceless competitor, but L&C made me feel desired.
Annabelle Rousseau BA ’23More about AnnabelleI wanted to come to L&C because the campus was so inviting when I visited. I loved how green the campus was, and the small class sizes were really attractive as well.
Bryn Romig BA ’25More about BrynI wanted to attend a small school because I perform best in smaller class environments where I can connect with my peers and work closely with my professors.
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
A Celebration of Scholarship and Creativity
On April 12, the Lewis & Clark community took a break from classes to enjoy the Festival of Scholars and Artists, an annual event that celebrates the scholarship and creativity of our undergraduate students.