For Parents

As a parent, you are an important part of the college search process, and we know that your questions may be very different than those asked by your student. We would like to give you the resources you need to learn about Lewis & Clark and help your child make an informed college decision. We have gathered the information below that we hope will be useful for you, and please feel free to contact your student’s Admissions Counselor to ask any additional questions you may have.

Interested in learning more? We’d love to tell you all about our academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs so that you can decide why Lewis & Clark is right for your student.

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  • 97% 

    Ninety-seven percent of L&C undergraduates receive some form of financial assistance.

  • 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.

  • 4-5-6 

    Lewis & Clark’s 4-5-6 Commitment can help you make the most of your future.

Did you know? The top five career competencies identified by the National Association of Colleges and Employers align perfectly with the core values of a liberal arts education:

  1. critical thinking/problem solving

  2. work ethic

  3. teamwork/collaboration

  4. oral/written communications

  5. leadership

Campus Living

Campus housing is available to all undergraduate students at Lewis & Clark in a variety of residential settings. The college requires all first and second year students to live on campus because we believe that the academic experience is enhanced by the learning that goes on outside the classroom. You can also learn more about Dining Services on the website of our food service provider, Bon Appetit.

Campus Safety

Although Lewis & Clark is in a secure, residential neighborhood in Portland’s west hills, we take safety very seriously on campus. Officers from Campus Safety are on duty 7 days a week, 365 days per year, and are here to assist with all safety and security issues.

  • Escorts are available for students traveling across campus during evening hours. Students should call 503-768-7777 to request this service.
  • There are currently 24 Emergency Phones or “Blue Boxes” around the campus that provide a direct link to Campus Safety. Students should familiarize themselves with the locations of these Emergency Phones in the event they are needed.
  • Every residence hall is staffed by trained professionals including Resident Advisors and Campus Living Staff.

Facts and Figures

Here you will find figures related to admission and enrollment, as well as faculty and classroom data. You can also explore our Academic Departments and Programs.

Financial Aid

Education is an investment. The decision to invest in an education of high quality may be one of the most important decisions you and your family will ever make. At Lewis & Clark, we are committed to working in partnership with your family to identify the best financial options and strategies for attaining a Lewis & Clark education.

In addition to need-based financial aid, every student is automatically considered for merit-based academic scholarships. Students may also apply for performance-based scholarships awarded in Music and Forensics.

  • 93% of Lewis & Clark students receive financial aid through merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, loans, or employment.
  • Total aid awarded to students in grants/scholarships, campus work opportunities, and student loans exceeds $61 million.
  • Individual aid packages range from $1,000 to $61,500.
  • 20% of Lewis & Clark students are eligible for Federal Pell Grants.

Health Services

Learn about the services offered by the Health Service, the Counseling Service, and the Office of Case Management.

Multicultural Affairs

The Department of Inclusion and Multicultural Engagement (IME) leads Lewis & Clark’s efforts toward building and sustaining a diverse and culturally vibrant campus community.

Outcomes and Opportunities

The Career Center is the place to go for internships, community service opportunities and career assistance. Students can use the Center’s myriad resources throughout their time on campus, as well as after graduation. There are also ways parents and families can get involved in a student’s career development.

Policies and Procedures for Application

If your student is applying to Lewis & Clark, here are some important guidelines. In addition, the Application FAQ page is full of helpful information.

Parents and Families Page

Although designed for parents and families of current students, this page is a wonderful resource for prospective families as well. 

The L&C Magazine

The quarterly magazine for the Lewis & Clark community contains great in-depth features as well as updates on some of our alumni.