- <a href="/live/image/gid/186/width/650/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.jpg" class="lw_preview_image lw_disable_preview" tabindex="-1"><picture class="lw_image lw_image90782"> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 500px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 800px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 1200px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 2x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 2x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg" alt="" width="1440" height="690" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 2x" data-max-w="3200" data-max-h="2136"/> </picture> </a><div class="hero-full_image_caption collapsable-caption"></div>
- <a href="/live/image/gid/186/width/650/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.jpg" class="lw_preview_image lw_disable_preview" tabindex="-1"><picture class="lw_image lw_image98147"> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 500px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 800px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 1200px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 2x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 2x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg" alt="Our campus is even prettier in person." width="1440" height="690" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 2x" data-max-w="3200" data-max-h="2133"/> </picture> </a><div class="hero-full_image_caption collapsable-caption"> Our campus is even prettier in person.</div>
- <a href="/live/image/gid/186/width/650/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.jpg" class="lw_preview_image lw_disable_preview" tabindex="-1"><picture class="lw_image lw_image90785"> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 500px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 800px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 1200px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 2x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 2x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg" alt="" width="1440" height="690" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 2x" data-max-w="3200" data-max-h="2136"/> </picture> </a><div class="hero-full_image_caption collapsable-caption"></div>
- <a href="/live/image/gid/186/width/650/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.jpg" class="lw_preview_image lw_disable_preview" tabindex="-1"><picture class="lw_image lw_image90786"> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 500px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 800px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 3x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(max-width: 1200px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 2x"/> <source type="image/jpeg" media="(min-width: 1201px)" srcset="/live/image/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 1x, /live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 2x"/> <img src="/live/image/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg" alt="" width="1440" height="690" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 2x" data-max-w="3200" data-max-h="2136"/> </picture> </a><div class="hero-full_image_caption collapsable-caption"></div>
Join our community!
Lewis & Clark College brings together challenging, supportive academics; an institutional commitment to sustainability; conservatory-calibre fine arts offerings; leadership in overseas and off-campus study; an inclusive, welcoming community; and excellent preparation for whatever path you take after graduation. The icing on the (Voodoo!) donut is that we do this on arguably the most beautiful campus in the U.S. in the cool, progressive city of Portland, Oregon.
We’d love for you to join us.
Apply Now on the Common App Website Transfer Students International Students
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> I ultimately chose Lewis & Clark because I felt that given my interests, the studies L&C has to offer best suited me and would prepare me for life after graduation.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/17800-jade-weihz">Jade Weihz BA ’23</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Phillipsburg, New Jersey</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">When I got accepted, I felt welcomed and that I belong here. The small classes and the opportunities that come from a small, but supportive, community also played a big factor in my decision.</span></p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/14559-juan-martin-lopez-melendez">Juan Martín López Meléndez BA ’23</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">La Piedad, Michoacán, México/Fresno, California/Las Vegas, New Mexico</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> I chose L&C because of the intimate class sizes, being in Portland, and the study abroad opportunities!</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/14605-lucia-sheridan">Lucia Sheridan BA ’23</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Saugatuck, Michigan</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> The beautiful campus drew me in, but ultimately the small class sizes, professor to student ratio, and the unique community led me to make my decision to come to L&C.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/19638-claire-lyman">Claire Lyman BA ’18</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Wilmette, Illinois</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> I visited Lewis & Clark and knew it had everything I wanted, which was to be at a small, liberal arts college in a Pacific Northwest city. It was also important to me to be able to join the swim team and go to an academically rigorous college.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/17799-claire-baco">Claire Baco BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Shingle Springs, California</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> I liked that Lewis & Clark encouraged me to explore all my interests. I got the sense that as a first year it was perfectly fine that I didn’t have my life planned out yet, which made me feel safe to explore my passions. </p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/17614-genevieve-basile">Genevieve Basile BA ’23</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Santa Rosa, California</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> With small class sizes, you are able to truly collaborate and challenge each other, which coupled with the diversity on campus, ends up raising important questions.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/19884-ashley-brown">Ashley Brown BA ’20</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Napa, California</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> I chose L&C because I had high hopes for my future here and the unique experiences that it would offer me.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18361-marta-ruzi">Marta Ružić BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Travnik, Bosnia and Herzegovina</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> I was drawn to Lewis & Clark’s reputation for good study abroad programs and a global outlook. During a visit to campus, I got the impression that the atmosphere was more collegial than competitive, which I liked, and the students seemed friendly and interesting.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/19948-aidan-bennett">Aidan Bennett BA ’21</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Oakland, California</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> I wanted to come to Lewis & Clark because of the vast opportunities it could provide me. I also really loved how beautiful the campus is, it really feels like you’re in the middle of the woods.</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18359-cadyn-schenk-turner">Cadyn Schenk-Turner BA ’26</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Charlotte, North Carolina</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Coming to L&C felt liberating. I had room to breathe, and finally felt like I was on the right path.</span></p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/14619-jason-kowalski">Jason Kowalski BA ’23</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Vancouver, Washington</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I wanted to go to a school where I’d have fruitful academic discussions with my professors and fellow students. I was also inspired by the beauty of the campus and, after visiting, felt like I was at home.</span></p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/14674-mateo-kaiser">Mateo Kaiser BA ’23</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Mountain View, California</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> I tried going to another school, but I ended up struggling greatly there and had to withdraw for my own mental health. Once I felt ready for a four-year school again, I realized that the supportive, friendly environment I felt at L&C was exactly the kind of atmosphere I needed to be able to succeed at college—and I was right!</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/19756-terin-trachtenberg">Terin Trachtenberg BA ’21</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Lincoln City, Oregon</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p> Along with basketball, the culture, curriculum, and community here will help me foster success long after college. L&C offered the perfect environment where I can play the sport I love, explore my passions with the support of a forward-thinking community, and experience the ever-evolving city of Portland!</p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18356-sebastian-deprez">Sebastian DePrez BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Upland, California</span></p></blockquote>
- <blockquote><p></p><div class="lw_profiles_774"><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">L&C has changed me by being an accepting and welcoming environment in which I was able to spread my wings. I have left my comfort zone, created amazing relationships with my peers and professors, and become a more well-rounded individual during my time here.</span></p></div><p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/16642-zoe-sanderson">Zoë Sanderson BA ’24</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Eugene, Oregon</span></p></blockquote>
February 2024 Update
Reply Deadline Extension for Early Action and Regular Decision applicants
In light of the government’s recent additional FAFSA delay, we have pushed back our deadline to reply to offers of admission to June 1. This applies to Early Action and Regular Decision applicants! We understand the uncertainty around the FAFSA process can cause stress to students and families. We are here to help! Please contact admissions@lclark.edu with any questions or concerns.
Plan Your Visit
Visiting our beautiful campus is the best way to get to know us. Whether you are just starting to think about college or you’re an admitted student (congrats!) on the brink of making your decision, we have virtual and in-person options for you.
- 29+33
Lewis & Clark offers 29 majors and 33 minors.
- Top
For the seventh time in 10 years, Lewis & Clark has been named a Fulbright U.S. Student Program Top Producing Institution for 2023–24.
- 96%
Within six months of graduation, 96% of the Lewis & Clark Classes of 2018–2022 were already changing the world through employment (76%), continuing studies (19%), and service work (1%), like the Peace Corps.
- 2,188
As of fall 2022, there are 2,188 degree-seeking students enrolled at Lewis & Clark College.
- Top
Lewis & Clark is in the top five Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Oregon in 2024, according to Niche.
Admission Requirements for First-Year Applicants
Lewis & Clark accepts the Common Application, and there is no application fee. A leader in test-optional admissions since 1991, we will be adopting a test-free admissions policy beginning with the fall 2025 entering class. As part of your application, you will need to submit:
- A secondary school report
- A personal essay
- A teacher recommendation
Optional Application Submissions
- Academic and nonacademic work
- Interview
Lewis & Clark Admission Deadlines
Application | Deadline to Apply | Notice of Decision |
Early Decision (binding) | Deadline: November 1 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time | Late November |
Early Action (nonbinding) | Deadline: November 1 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time | Mid-December |
Regular Decision (nonbinding) | Deadline: January 15 at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time | Mid-March |
Transfer | Deadline: Rolling (recommended all credentials submitted by April 1) |
Rolling |
- Kade McCoy BA ’19
The men’s and women’s golf team welcomed me with open arms. The friends I made on the team have and will last a lifetime!
Rhetoric and Media Studies | New York, New YorkMore about Kade - Yancee Gordon BA ’21
The biggest factor in finding my community on campus were my Spanish language classes, where I made lifelong friends.
Rhetoric and Media Studies | Political Science | Salem, OregonMore about Yancee - Hanna Lyubinina BA ’19
Something incredibly special about L&C is that one can be as involved in the community as one wants to be. The huge variety of clubs, events, internship/job opportunities, department lounges, and spaces on campus makes it easy to find like-minded people.
Computer Science and Mathematics and Psychology (double) | Concord, CaliforniaMore about Hanna
Learning at Lewis & Clark
We offer 29 majors, 33 minors, and robust preprofessional programs. You will graduate ready to take on the world with a bachelor of arts (BA) degree. Our liberal arts curriculum emphasizes the top things you need for success in any career: critical thinking, written and verbal communication, teamwork, and problem solving.
Find Your Pacific Northwest Home
Portland, Oregon, is the perfect launching pad for adventures throughout the gorgeous Pacific Northwest, and Lewis & Clark is the perfect community to find friends who will want to adventure with you.
Already Applied
Your L&C Portal gives you access to the most up-to-date information about your application credentials. The first time you log in, use the temporary PIN provided in the email sent upon receipt of your application.
Check Your Application StatusFinancial Aid
Admissions FAQ
If Lewis & Clark is the college that is clearly the best fit for you, there is no better way to indicate to us that L&C is your top choice than by applying Early Decision. Your college selection process may be completed months before many of your peers if you apply under Early Decision. Since the application is binding, if admitted, your selection is made and you can look forward to becoming a Pioneer while focusing on finishing your high school career.
The main advantage to applying under our non-binding Early Action plan is timing. Since you get your materials to us earlier (November 1) we are able to get a decision letter to you earlier (by January 1). The admissions committee will look for all the same criteria that we look for in the Regular Decision timeframe (see what are we looking for), so a student is not necessarily more likely to be admitted if they apply Early Action.
Keep in mind that there is one important difference between the early application plans and Regular Decision: under Early Decision and Early Action, we require grades through the end of junior year, along with an accurate list of senior year courses. Some Early Decision and Early Action applicants provide first quarter or trimester reports as well. Under Regular Decision, we require that you submit the first set of grades from your senior year. If it is important to you that the admissions committee reviews your senior grades, you may wish to apply Regular Decision. Finally, the Early Decision and Early Action plans are not appropriate for students who will be relying on the November SAT/ACT or later test dates to complete their files.
There is no fee to apply to Lewis & Clark.
You should strive to submit your materials by the application deadline. Late applications may be accepted at the discretion of the Admissions Office. If you are interested in applying after the January 15 deadline, contact the Admissions Office and speak with an admissions counselor about your options.
Please note: students whose applications are received after the deadline may not receive their admissions decisions until after April 1. Financial aid notification may also be delayed and funds may be limited.
It is not necessary for your teacher to use the Common Application Teacher Evaluation form. However, if your teacher will not be using the form, he/she should submit the evaluation on school letterhead, clearly print your full name on the top of the letter, and indicate the course(s) and grade level(s) in which he/she taught you.
We do not require a letter of recommendation from a counselor, only the Secondary School Report form.
However, it is in your best interest for you to get to know your guidance counselor. Beyond completing required college application forms, you may find that your counselor can also provide excellent guidance throughout your entire college search process. If it’s just not possible for you to get to know your counselor (and we certainly understand that situation may arise if you attend a large school) or if you have a new counselor at your school, you should (at minimum) have your current counselor fill in the blanks of the Secondary School Report form. That form provides vital information we need in order to complete your record at the college. You may have another high school administrator or former counselor provide a letter of recommendation addressing your preparedness for college, your high school performance in relation to the rest of your senior class, and other pertinent information. We will only accept such an evaluation in addition to the Secondary School Report form completed by your current high school counselor.
The admissions committee gives all applicants a comprehensive review before making an admissions decision. This is why we ask for a number of credentials to complete your application. The main priority of the committee is to make sure that the applicant is able to meet the college’s academic challenge and the expectations of our faculty.
While all credentials will be carefully reviewed, an applicant’s transcript is most beneficial in providing evidence of a student’s academic potential to thrive at Lewis & Clark. The committee examines course selection, curricular rigor, grade trends, and other academic factors reflected on the transcript.
Teacher and counselor evaluations, SAT and/or ACT scores (if submitted), the essay, and the actual application form reveal other dimensions of an applicant and are also important in the application process.
Non-academic activities are considered as well, since we need students who will play a role in our small, residential community, but these factors are only considered if a student is academically admissible. In the end, the committee hopes to admit students that are prepared for the challenge that an education at Lewis & Clark will offer while also contributing positively to the college community.
More Frequently Asked Questions
Featured News
International Affairs Symposium Focuses on Control
The 62nd annual Lewis & Clark International Affairs Symposium is one of the oldest student-run symposia in the country. This year’s event, which runs from April 8 to April 10, is titled Strings Attached: Tracing the Global Systems That Bind.
Admissions is located in Frank Manor House on the Undergraduate Campus.
MSC: 32
email admissions@lclark.edu
voice 503-768-7040
fax 503-768-7055
Vice President of Admissions and Financial Aid
Eric Staab
Admissions
Lewis & Clark
615 S. Palatine Hill Road MSC 32
Portland OR 97219