• <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 media="(max-width: 500px)" type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.webp 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.webp 3x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(max-width: 500px)" type="image/jpeg" srcset="/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" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(max-width: 800px)" type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.webp 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.webp 3x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(max-width: 800px)" type="image/jpeg" srcset="/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" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(max-width: 1200px)" type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.webp 2x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(max-width: 1200px)" type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 2x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.webp 2x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg 2x" data-origin="responsive"/><img src="/live/image/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90785_PEO-C3a-0418-0030.rev.1634160361.jpg" alt="" 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" data-optimized="true"/></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 media="(max-width: 500px)" type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.webp 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.webp 3x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(max-width: 500px)" type="image/jpeg" srcset="/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" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(max-width: 800px)" type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.webp 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.webp 3x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(max-width: 800px)" type="image/jpeg" srcset="/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" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(max-width: 1200px)" type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.webp 2x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(max-width: 1200px)" type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 2x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.webp 2x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/98147_CAM-L-0719-0001.rev.1679093776.jpg 2x" data-origin="responsive"/><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." 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" data-optimized="true"/></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/650/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.jpg" class="lw_preview_image lw_disable_preview" tabindex="-1"><picture class="lw_image lw_image90786"><source media="(max-width: 500px)" type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.webp 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.webp 3x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(max-width: 500px)" type="image/jpeg" srcset="/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" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(max-width: 800px)" type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.webp 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.webp 3x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(max-width: 800px)" type="image/jpeg" srcset="/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" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(max-width: 1200px)" type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.webp 2x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(max-width: 1200px)" type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 2x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.webp 2x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg 2x" data-origin="responsive"/><img src="/live/image/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90786_PEO-C3a-1020-0016.rev.1634160376.jpg" alt="" 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" data-optimized="true"/></picture></a><div class="hero-full_image_caption collapsable-caption"></div>
  • <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 media="(max-width: 500px)" type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.webp 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/186/width/500/height/240/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.webp 3x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(max-width: 500px)" type="image/jpeg" srcset="/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" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(max-width: 800px)" type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.webp 2x, /live/image/scale/3x/gid/186/width/800/height/383/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.webp 3x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(max-width: 800px)" type="image/jpeg" srcset="/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" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(max-width: 1200px)" type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.webp 2x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(max-width: 1200px)" type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1200/height/575/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 2x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" type="image/webp" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.webp 2x" data-origin="responsive"/><source media="(min-width: 1201px)" type="image/jpeg" srcset="/live/image/scale/2x/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg 2x" data-origin="responsive"/><img src="/live/image/gid/186/width/1440/height/690/crop/1/90782_DIV-A3-0220-0014.rev.1634160348.jpg" alt="" 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" data-optimized="true"/></picture></a><div class="hero-full_image_caption collapsable-caption"></div>

Transfer Students

Your New Chapter Starts Here

Lewis & Clark welcomes transfer students for the perspective and experience they bring to the college—so much so that we purposefully reserve places in the incoming class for you. Whether you are coming from a two- or a four-year institution, our top priority is to make sure you will succeed in the classroom. We look for transfer students who have been successful in rigorous courses that match up well with Lewis & Clark’s liberal arts and sciences curriculum. Our challenging academics, Pacific Northwest location, and friendly community await you!

Transfer Application

  • Alicia posing outside in a green garden. They are wearing a yellow top and a blue skirt.

    I transferred to L&C after two years at a community college, and I found the community here warm and supportive. My professors take an interest in me and the work I am producing, and my advisor knows me well and has been a huge advocate for me.

    Alicia McMahon BA ’25
    History | Ethnic Studies | Springfield, Pennsylvania
    More about Alicia
  • Blythe Ballesteros BA '20

    I chose to transfer to Lewis & Clark because of the diverse staff, friendly community, and the beautiful campus. Most of all, I knew Lewis & Clark would challenge me academically and help me to grow to be the best person that I can be.

    Blythe Ballesteros BA ’20
    Computer Science and Mathematics | Mililani, Hawai‘i
    More about Blythe
  • Channing Stirrat BA '21

    I chose to transfer because my old school didn’t have a strong life-sciences program and no research opportunities. The support I received from my advisors, even before getting to campus, was already a huge difference from my old school.

    Channing Stirrat BA ’21
    Biology | Tucson, Arizona
    More about Channing

Transfer Student Requirements

You are considered a transfer applicant if you have completed 12 or more semester credits (18 quarter credits) of college-level coursework after graduating from high school or earning a GED. If you have completed fewer than 12 semester credits, you will be considered a first-year applicant.

Transfer admission is selective; each year around 50 transfer applicants enroll. While there are no GPA or credit distribution requirements, we look for academic success in a well-rounded course load that should include college-level math, natural science, world language, and writing-intensive classes, and be balanced by additional courses in the social sciences and humanities.

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.

Transfer Application Checklist

Here’s what you need for your application.

Transcripts

Official college transcript(s) showing all college coursework completed and a high school transcript showing your entire high school academic record and verification of graduation are required. If you took the GED or other high school proficiency exam, we require an official score report as well as transcripts for any completed high school coursework. Note: to be considered official, transcripts need to be sent to us directly from the school or via a transcript service.

Written Statement and Personal Essay

Two written components are required as part of your application: one statement addressing why you want to transfer to L&C and one personal statement. Your writing helps us get acquainted with you in ways different from courses, grades, test scores, and other objective data. It also gives you a chance to demonstrate your ability to organize your thoughts and express yourself. Not sure what to say? Check out our tips!

Letter of Recommendation

We require one academic evaluation/recommendation completed by a college instructor who has taught you in a full-credit, traditional academic (non-performance, activity, or studio) college class taken post-high school graduation.

Current/Projected Course List

You will need to submit a complete list of all the classes you are currently taking and those you plan to take prior to enrolling at Lewis & Clark. You may use our online form or email transfer@lclark.edu with your list. Please be sure to include course numbers, course titles, and the credit amount each course carries.

Optional Submissions

Transfer Application Deadlines

There is no set deadline by which fall applications must be completed; however, to ensure full consideration of your application, we strongly recommend you submit all credentials by April 1. Transfer applications are evaluated on a rolling basis, and review of applications for fall semester begins after January 15. We will notify you of our admission decision approximately three weeks after your application is completed.

Transferring Your Credits

We evaluate transfer credit on a course-by-course basis. Credit will not be granted for the College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), life experience, credit by examination, repeated courses, or for coursework completed over 20 years ago. No more than 68 semester credits transferred from other institutions may be applied toward your Lewis & Clark degree. (If you are transferring from an institution that is on a quarter system, one quarter credit equals 0.67 semester credits.)

Your class standing upon enrollment at Lewis & Clark is determined by the total number of credits transferred.

0-28 semester credits

First-year standing

29-60 semester credits

Sophomore standing

61-68 semester credits

Junior standing

Transferring Credit

  • 12% 

    of our students are from countries other than the U.S.

  • 19 

    Average class size for undergraduate students

  • #1 

    Lewis & Clark is number one on Niche’s 2024 list of Best College Campuses in Oregon.

  • 97% 

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

  • Best 

    Lewis & Clark is on the 2024 list of “America’s Best Colleges,” per Money magazine.

Innovative Learning, Exceptional Results

Lewis & Clark’s rigorous liberal arts curriculum allows you to choose from 29 majors and 33 minors across a variety of academic disciplines. Our small classes allow for deep and engaging discussions with your peers and one-on-one mentorship by your professors. Our commitment to creating global citizens is evident in our unique approach to overseas study. Here, you will have many leadership and experiential learning opportunities right at your fingertips, and direct pathways to careers or advanced degrees (perhaps through our Graduate School of Education and Counseling or School of Law!).

Academic Programs Overseas and Off-Campus Programs

Find Your PNW Home

Transfer students are just one component of the Lewis & Clark diverse student body. You will engage with a community that represents a wide array of ages, cultures, backgrounds, gender identities, nationalities, sexual orientations, races, ethnicities, and beliefs. We embrace them all.

There is never a shortage of activity on campus, and you will find new and exciting ways to get involved through our 110+ student clubs and organizations. Discover new passions and make lifelong friendships at Lewis & Clark!

Your Pacific Northwest Home Student Life

Plan Your Visit

There’s no better way to get to know us than by visiting. When you step foot on the nation’s most beautiful college campus, you won’t want to leave!

Visit Lewis & Clark College

Already Applied?

Check Your Application Status

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.

L&C Portal for Transfer Students


Explore Financial Aid

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. You should complete the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline, even if your Common Application is not yet complete. Our federal school code is 003197, and our Office of Financial Aid is here to help.

Transfer students are eligible for need- and merit-based scholarships, and all applicants who complete their applications for admission within our preferred time frame are considered for aid. If you are a member of Phi Theta Kappa, you may be eligible for a $1,000 scholarship.

Financial Aid


Get Support From Admissions Counselors

We are here to support you and answer any questions you may have as you navigate the college application process.

Contact Us

Transfer Application FAQ