Undergraduate Financial Aid

A private, liberal arts education is often more affordable than you think. Our financial aid program creates solutions to serve students from diverse economic backgrounds.

Get Started With the FAFSA

Step one in applying for undergrad financial aid involves completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using our unique school code, 003197. This can be done for the 2024-25 school year starting sometime in December 2023.

Undergrad Pro Tip: Create an account on the Federal Student Aid site to get your FSA ID, which you’ll need before you file the FAFSA. Here’s a quick video tutorial to help with that process. You and any family member who will be contributing information to your FAFSA should create an FSA ID prior to applying for aid.

Complete the FAFSA

Important Financial Aid Timing

Update, 1/31/24

The government just announced that they will not release FAFSA data to schools until at least early March. Without that data, we cannot process need-based aid awards, so we’ve removed the priority filing dates this year. Please note:

  1. The date you file the FAFSA has no bearing on your award.
  2. We will work with you to get through this year’s delayed, uncertain process.
  • <blockquote><p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">I chose Lewis & Clark because of the small class sizes and proximity to home, and I was offered a generous financial aid package.</span></p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/16641-htoo-ray-wah">Htoo Ray Wah BA ’23</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Portland, Oregon</span></p></blockquote>
  • <blockquote><p><p> I was able to attend L&C thanks to my financial aid package.</p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/17729-luz-vazquez">Luz Vazquez BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">San Francisco, California</span></p></blockquote>
  • <blockquote><p><p> I looked at many schools but what made Lewis & Clark stand out to me was the small class sizes, merit aid, proximity to Portland, and beautiful campus.</p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/20400-august-van-nieuwenhuysen">August van Nieuwenhuysen BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Tustin, California</span></p></blockquote>
  • <blockquote><p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">My financial aid package was a deciding factor in my decision to attend L&C. Without it, it wouldn’t have been possible for me to attend college, and I am so grateful to my scholarship donors.</span></p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/16683-ashleen-smith">Ashleen Smith BA ’23</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Madras, Oregon</span></p></blockquote>
  • <blockquote><p><p> My financial aid package had a major influence on my decision to attend L&C. It provided me with the most affordable path toward obtaining my undergraduate degree compared to the other institutions I had gotten accepted into. </p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18357-savannah-bishop">Savannah Bishop BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Portland and Bend, Oregon; Budapest, Hungary; Accra, Ghana</span></p></blockquote>
  • <blockquote><p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">The generous merit-based awards and need-based financial aid at L&C were a significant reason for my pursuit of higher education at this fine academic institute.</span></p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/16674-leo-mcnaughton">Leo McNaughton BA ’24</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Milwaukie, Oregon</span></p></blockquote>
  • <blockquote><p><p> I am incredibly grateful that Lewis & Clark has continued to increase my financial aid during my time here, and that they have given me extra aid when my financial circumstances changed.</p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/16673-brenna-ketchum">Brenna Ketchum BA ’23</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Fort Collins, Colorado</span></p></blockquote>
  • <blockquote><p><p> The generous financial aid and accepting inclusive culture made me want to come to Lewis & Clark.</p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/20425-christi-san-diego">Christi San Diego BA ’27</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Gypsum, Colorado</span></p></blockquote>
  • <blockquote><p><p> The financial aid package offered by the college played a significant role in my decision, and Lewis & Clark was among the most generous schools in this regard.</p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/17730-hashim-salman">Hashim Salman BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Amman, Jordan</span></p></blockquote>
  • <blockquote><p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lewis & Clark offered competitive prices, so that I would be able to receive a liberal arts education for the same price as a public institution.</span></p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/14672-keilani-vega">Keilani Vega BA ’22</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Pasadena, California</span></p></blockquote>
  • <blockquote><p><p> I always hoped I would get to attend a small liberal arts college, but I never thought it would be a real possibility until I saw the financial aid package Lewis & Clark offered me. The scholarships I was offered closed the gap between private and public education, allowing me to pursue my dreams the way I imagined.</p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/20449-annabelle-samson">Annabelle Samson BA ’27</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Olympia, Washington</span></p></blockquote>
  • <blockquote><p><p> The financial aid package provided by Lewis & Clark made it so that not only I could attend a college in general, but that I would be able to attend my dream college! The scholarship I received changed everything and set me on a new path.</p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/20424-ashtyn-aponte">Ashtyn Aponte BA ’26</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Milwaukie, Oregon</span></p></blockquote>
  • <blockquote><p><p> I came to L&C because of the location, the size of the school, the ability to explore different areas of study, and financial aid.</p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/19887-liam-beveridge">Liam Beveridge BA ’20</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Seattle, Washington</span></p></blockquote>
  • <blockquote><p><p> I felt that I could not pass up the opportunity to attend a reputable college that was willing to support my goals and future. My award knocked all other prospective colleges off of my list. I am forever grateful for the financial aid that I have received as it has changed my life in remarkable ways.</p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/20471-jade-valdez">Jade Valdez BA ’25</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Woods Cross, Utah</span></p></blockquote>
  • <blockquote><p><p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Lewis & Clark provided me with a substantial financial aid package, which made the decision to attend this school easier.</span></p></p><p class="quote-author"><a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/16644-annabelle-rousseau">Annabelle Rousseau BA ’23</a><br/><span class="quoted-profile_meta">Modesto, California</span></p></blockquote>

 

Students have many opportunities to engage in experiential learning. One example is through our annual Winterim program—an imme... Students have many opportunities to engage in experiential learning. One example is through our annual Winterim program—an immersive week designed to develop entrepreneurial and leadership skills in a supportive and fun environment.

Photo credit: Nina Johnson

Costs 2024–25

  • Tuition and fees: $64,828
  • Room (double occupancy): $8,856
  • Board (14-meal flex plan): $6,792
  • Books, transportation, and personal expenses (estimate): $3,652
  • Health insurance: $3,887/year (2023-24 cost); waiver available

Types of Aid

Scholarships, grants, on-campus employment, and loans are among the ways that families finance a Lewis & Clark education.

Need-Based Scholarships and Grants

These awards—which come from Lewis & Clark, federal, or state sources—are based on financial need and the overall strength of your application. They do not require repayment upon graduation. All students who apply and qualify for need-based aid are considered for this funding source.

Merit- and Performance-Based Scholarships

We offer a variety of scholarships based on academic excellence. All applicants are automatically considered for these awards. Performance-based awards are available in entrepreneurship, speech and debate, and music.

On-Campus Student Employment

A variety of interesting jobs are available to students. Both need-based and non-need-based awards are available.

External Scholarships

Many organizations other than Lewis & Clark award scholarship funds that can be used at the school of your choice.

Federal Student Loan Programs

Many of our students and families find loans to be an important tool to help finance their education at Lewis & Clark. Federal student loans offer some advantages, including low-interest rates, deferred interest on some types of loans, and both need-based and non-need-based options.

Direct PLUS Loans

These loans are available to the parent of a dependent undergraduate student enrolled at least half time.

Private Loans

Private loans are designed to meet costs not covered by other forms of financial aid. Students are encouraged to pursue federal student loans (if eligible) and outside scholarships before applying for private student loans.

Helpful Tools

There’s a lot to take in when you are learning about financial aid. We have tools and resources available, and we’re here to help.

  • Student presenting at Festival of Scholars and Artists

    Net Price Calculator

    Even before you submit your forms, you can get an idea of what it might cost to attend Lewis & Clark by using our net price calculator. This tool helps you estimate what financial aid might be available.

  • Student-Faculty interaction

    Payment Plan

    We offer a payment plan that allows you to split each semester’s payment into five monthly installments, for a total of ten payments over the course of the year.

Secure Document Portals

Upload necessary documentation for your financial aid application.

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