Non-Profit Private
Accredited · Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
Portland, Oregon
74.5% Acceptance Rate
Lewis & Clark College — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
74.5%Acceptance Rate
3.95Avg GPA
1321Avg SAT
30Avg ACT
$76,690Annual Cost
$62,205Grad Salary
19.3%Pell Grant
Acceptance Rate
74.5%
Avg GPA
3.95
Avg SAT
1321
Avg ACT
30
Selectivity
Somewhat Selective
Institution Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities
SAT Middle 50%
1210–1390
ACT Middle 50%
28–31
Need-Based Aid
19.3% receive Pell
Lewis & Clark College, founded in 1867 in Portland, Oregon, is a private liberal arts college ranked among the top national liberal arts institutions by U.S. News. The college's 137-acre forested campus in Portland's southwest hills features stunning views of Mount Hood and modern facilities like the recently renovated Rogers Hall for science. Lewis & Clark offers 30+ majors with particular strengths in environmental studies, international affairs, and psychology through its College of Arts and Sciences. The college maintains a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio and is renowned for its overseas study programs, which involve 60% of students.
Lewis & Clark's location provides access to Portland's vibrant cultural scene and outdoor recreation in the Pacific Northwest. The college's environmental law program is nationally ranked, while its undergraduate research opportunities attract science-focused students. Lewis & Clark Pioneers compete in NCAA Division III athletics, and the campus features unique amenities like an outdoor challenge course. The college's commitment to sustainability is reflected in its LEED-certified buildings and carbon neutrality goals, complementing its academic focus on environmental stewardship.
Lewis & Clark College Acceptance Rate
At 74.5%, admission to Lewis & Clark College is achievable for most students who meet the basic academic profile.
What Lewis and Clark College Admissions Looks For
- Whole-Person Review: Personal circumstances and career goals are weighed alongside grades.
- Flexible on GPA: Strong extracurriculars or work experience can offset an average transcript.
Selectivity at a Glance
Somewhat Selective
Selectivity scale: Somewhat Selective — 74.5% acceptance rate
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
Recommended Academic Profile
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.95 – 4.00
Target Match
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.75 – 3.94
Competitive Reach
Focus on Score Compensation
Below 3.50
Secondary Reach
Requires Contextual Support
Source: IPEDS & College Scorecard (Nov 2025).
Lewis & Clark College Application Deadlines & Admission Dates 2026
Mark November 1 for Lewis & Clark College (Early Decision I — other plans are listed below), with decisions typically out by December 15.
Key Admission Dates
⏳ 86 days left — Early Decision I
Early Decision I
November 1
Decision by: December 15
Early Action
November 1
Decision by: December 20
Early Decision II
January 15
Decision by: February 15
Regular Decision
January 15
Decision by: April 1
💡 The scholarship deadline (Financial Aid Priority: 2025/11/15) often falls before the regular admission deadline. Submit your application and FAFSA early to be considered for maximum aid.
Deadlines are verified from official institutional sources but may change each cycle. Always confirm final dates on the official website.
Lewis and Clark College GPA Requirement
The average GPA of admitted students at Lewis and Clark College is 3.95. That makes admissions here extremely selective. Most admitted students carry straight A's, with very little room for a B.
If your GPA sits between 3.65 and 3.95, a high SAT or ACT score is the most reliable way to compensate.
Note the scale: this figure reflects an unweighted 4.0 GPA. Add AP or IB coursework and the equivalent weighted GPA usually lands around 4.15–4.35.Lewis and Clark College GPA & Admission Outlook
Assessment: This tier demands elite, top-of-class academic standing.
Recommended Strategy: Pair the GPA with heavy Course Rigor, including AP, IB, or Honors, to back it up.
This range is a rough map. Where you land determines what else needs to carry weight in your application.:
Candidate GPA Range
Admission Category
Strategic Requirement
3.95 – 4.00
Academic Target
Maintain Rigor & High Testing
3.75 – 3.94
Competitive Match
Focus on SAT/ACT Compensation
3.55 – 3.74
Secondary Reach
Personal Statement & Impact
Below 3.54
Institutional Reach
Requires Significant Contextual Factors
Evaluation Metrics That Matter Here
- Adopted a fully test-free (not test-optional) admissions policy starting with the fall 2025 entering class.
- Requires one supplemental essay (300-400 words), choosing between two prompts.
- No application fee; accepts the Common Application.
- Signature strength in overseas study - 35+ programs in 26 countries, two-thirds outside Western Europe; 82% of alumni say it contributed to their career.
- Rigor Over Raw Number: Course rigor is read alongside the number itself. A 3.8 with a demanding schedule can beat a 4.0 without one.
- Trajectory Matters: Grades that climb toward graduation tend to matter more than a flat average. The trajectory tells its own story.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at Lewis and Clark College
Admission Chance Predictor
Built from Lewis & Clark College's own verified admissions data — adjust the sliders below
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
✅ Verified Data: Institutional records for 2026.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Lewis & Clark College (Lewis and Clark College) Test Requirements
Scores aren't just a formality at Lewis and Clark College. Landing within or above the 2026 admitted class's middle 50% keeps you fully competitive, even where submission is optional.
Can I Get Into Lewis and Clark College Without SAT or ACT?
Lewis and Clark College considers scores when submitted, without requiring them. Prepare well and submit your best attempt. Most applicants test 2–3 times.
Lewis & Clark College Average SAT Score: 1321
Admitted students at Lewis & Clark College average a 1321 SAT (out of 1600).
SAT Competitiveness
SAT 1321 — Competitive
A 1321 average is a respectable, above-average benchmark nationally.
Key Insight: Aim for the 75th percentile (1390 SAT or 31 ACT) to stand out. Below average? Lewis & Clark College allows Score Choice for the SAT, so a retake only helps — a low sitting never has to be sent.
Scored under 1210? A retake is worth it at Lewis and Clark College. Two or three sittings is standard for competitive applicants, and there's no cap on how many times you can test.
SAT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| SAT Math | 630 | 590 | 670 |
| SAT Reading | 670 | 620 | 720 |
| SAT Composite | 1321 | 1210 | 1390 |
A score under 1210 puts you in the lower quarter of admits; 1390+ puts you ahead of three-quarters of the admitted class. (These percentiles mark where a given share of the admitted class scored at or below.)
View list of all colleges with average SAT score of 1300
Can I get into Lewis & Clark College (Lewis and Clark College) with a 1400 SAT?
At 1400, your SAT is squarely in Lewis and Clark College's favor. That said, admissions staff read the full file. GPA, activities, and essays still carry real weight even with a strong score in hand.
Lewis & Clark College (Lewis and Clark College) ACT Requirements
Lewis and Clark College's admitted students average an ACT of 30.
ACT Competitiveness
ACT 30 — Very Competitive
Lewis and Clark College's ACT average sits comfortably in the upper range nationally.
ACT Scores Breakdown by Sections
| Section | Average | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| ACT Math | 27 | 25 | 28 |
| ACT English | 33 | 31 | 35 |
| ACT Composite | 30 | 28 | 31 |
Can I get into Lewis & Clark College with a 31 ACT?
At 31, you're in the top quarter of Lewis and Clark College's admitted class by ACT score. That's a real advantage, but admissions still reads GPA, essays, and activities alongside it.
The ACT's four sections, English, Math, Reading, and Science, are each scored independently on a 1–36 scale, and admissions staff do notice a lopsided breakdown. If one section trails the others significantly, that's worth addressing before you apply, particularly for STEM programs where Science carries extra weight.
Beyond the number itself, Lewis and Clark College weighs your transcript rigor, activities, recommendations, and essays just as heavily. The ACT opens the door, and the rest of your file decides what happens next.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for Lewis and Clark College
Accessible Strategy: Academic Foundation
Getting into Lewis and Clark College isn't the hard part. Building a solid academic foundation and securing aid early is where the real strategy lives.
Pick your one essay prompt based on what you can answer honestly
Option A (personal motto) rewards wit and specificity; Option B (engaging across difference) rewards a genuine, concrete story. Choose based on which you can answer with a real anecdote, not which sounds more impressive.
Don't submit test scores at all
Lewis & Clark went fully test-free starting with the fall 2025 entering class - scores won't be reviewed even if sent. Put that energy into transcript rigor and your essay instead.
Name a specific country or program if overseas study interests you
Fiske named L&C the "West Coast's leader in international and study abroad" - 35+ programs in 26 countries, mostly outside Western Europe. Reference a specific program by name to signal real intent.
Schedule your optional interview before an early deadline
Interviews are recommended, not required, but must be completed before November 1 for Early Action/Early Decision applicants. It's one of the few extra levers you control in a test-free, single-essay application.
Expert Insight:
Because L&C accepts supplemental non-academic materials "as background only" and doesn't want portfolios for majors, students sometimes send extensive creative portfolios expecting them to boost admission - they're considered but won't outweigh transcript rigor, so don't over-invest here.
Lewis and Clark College Profile
Full Name
Lewis & Clark College (Lewis and Clark College)
City
Portland
State
Oregon
ZIP Code
97219-7899
Type
Non-Profit Private
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU)
Is a Lewis and Clark College Degree Worth It?
Whether Lewis and Clark College is worth it depends less on its reputation and more on your program choice, financial aid package, and career goals. Here's the data to weigh it against.
Admitted students' families report a median household income around $69,800, and graduates see a 3.48% unemployment rate.
How much does a degree from Lewis and Clark College Cost?
Listed tuition runs $76,690/year at Lewis and Clark College. Factor in Pell and federal grant aid, and most students land typically much lower.
At Lewis and Clark College, 19.3% receive a Pell Grant and 67.9% carry federal loans. Filing FAFSA early and naming Lewis and Clark College on it improves your shot at both.
How much does a Lewis and Clark College Graduate earn?
Ten years out from enrollment, Lewis and Clark College graduates report a median income of $62,205, about 53% above the U.S. median graduate income.
Compare Similar Colleges
Less Competitive Schools
These schools have lower average SAT or ACT scores than Lewis & Clark College. If your SAT or ACT score is slightly lower, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| The University of Alabama | Tuscaloosa, AL | 1287 | 28 |
| University of the Pacific | Stockton, CA | 1303 | 27 |
| Point Loma Nazarene University | San Diego, CA | 1278 | 26 |
| Thomas Aquinas College | Santa Paula, CA | 1277 | 29 |
| United States Coast Guard Academy | New London, CT | 1290 | 28 |
| University of Delaware | Newark, DE | 1297 | 29 |
| University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | 1277 | 27 |
| Rollins College | Winter Park, FL | 1304 | 29 |
| Agnes Scott College | Decatur, GA | 1296 | 29 |
| University of Georgia | Athens, GA | 1301 | 29 |
Equally Competitive Schools
These schools have the same range of average SAT or ACT scores as Lewis & Clark College. If your SAT or ACT score is competitive, you'll be competitive for these schools also.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | Huntsville, AL | 1321 | 28 |
| Auburn University | Auburn, AL | 1318 | 28 |
| University of San Francisco | San Francisco, CA | 1313 | 29 |
| Fairfield University | Fairfield, CT | 1323 | 31 |
| Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | 1323 | 29 |
More Competitive Schools
These schools have higher average SAT or ACT scores than Lewis & Clark College. If you improve your SAT or ACT score, you'll be competitive for these schools.
| School | Location | SAT | ACT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chapman University | Orange, CA | 1353 | 30 |
| Pepperdine University | Malibu, CA | 1367 | 29 |
| Westmont College | Santa Barbara, CA | 1367 | 32 |
| University of Colorado Boulder | Boulder, CO | 1353 | 31 |
| United States Air Force Academy | USAF Academy, CO | 1362 | 30 |
Degree Programs at Lewis and Clark College
Bachelor Degree Programs
Masters Degree Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About Lewis and Clark College Admissions
Lewis & Clark College graduates earn a moderate median salary of $62,205/year, with some variation by field.
Tuition at Lewis & Clark College runs high, at roughly $76,690+/year, so financial aid planning matters.
19.3% receive a Pell Grant here, below the ~35% national average. Lewis & Clark College skews toward higher-income students, though merit aid may still be worth checking.
Lewis & Clark College's acceptance rate is 74.5%, comparatively higher than most selective universities. Admission is more attainable here.
The average GPA of admitted Lewis & Clark College students is 3.95, reflecting a competitive applicant pool.
There's no strict cutoff, but a GPA at or above 3.65 puts you in the standard applicant pool at Lewis & Clark College. Below that, your essays and recommendations need to work harder to provide context.
A GPA of 3.55 or below makes admission tougher at Lewis & Clark College, but strong test scores, activities, and essays, plus AP/IB coursework, can still keep you in contention.
Lewis & Clark College weighs the SAT heavily. Scoring above 1321, and within the 1210–1390 range, keeps you competitive.
Lewis & Clark College's deadline is November 1 (Early Decision I), with decisions out by December 15.
For priority financial aid consideration, get your FAFSA in before Financial Aid Priority: 2025/11/15. That's Lewis & Clark College's scholarship priority date.
Transferring in is a well-trodden path here. Line up your transcripts, recommendations, and a strong personal statement before applying.
The biggest levers are academic performance, a clear extracurricular focus, and essays that stand out, plus a solid test score where the school considers one.