Undergraduate Financial Aid

Investing in a Lewis & Clark education will set you up for a successful future, and our financial aid program helps make our personalized, impactful education attainable for students from a wide range of economic backgrounds.

Get Started With the FAFSA

The only way to qualify for financial aid is by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using our unique school code, 003197. The FAFSA is now open. Filing the FAFSA allows us to consider you for many types of financial aid, from both federal and Lewis & Clark funding sources. It doesn’t take long—and it’s completely worth it.

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

  • <blockquote> <p> <p> Lewis & Clark College offered me a very generous financial aid package that I was glad to accept. I have seen the impact that donating to the school makes, and I wouldn’t be here without those generous donors. </p> </p> <p class="quote-author"> <a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/20476-sophia-whyte">Sophia Whyte BA ’24</a> <br/> <span class="quoted-profile_meta">Berkeley, California</span> </p> </blockquote>
  • <blockquote> <p> <p> I would not have attended L&C without financial aid.</p> </p> <p class="quote-author"> <a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/23366-lola-ecker">Lola Ecker BA ’25</a> <br/> <span class="quoted-profile_meta">Boulder, Colorado</span> </p> </blockquote>
  • <blockquote> <p> <p> <span style="font-weight: 400;">L&C offered me a really generous financial aid package. I can’t tell you how impactful it was not to come out of school with a mountain of debt.</span> </p> </p> <p class="quote-author"> <a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/16540-spencer-byrne-seres">Spencer Byrne-Seres BA ’13</a> <br/> </p> </blockquote>
  • <blockquote> <p> <p> Lewis & Clark was able to get me the aid I needed to match my budget for attending college.</p> </p> <p class="quote-author"> <a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/23430-sage-swegle">Sage E. Swegle BA ’27</a> <br/> <span class="quoted-profile_meta">Conifer, Colorado</span> </p> </blockquote>
  • <blockquote> <p> <p> Lewis & Clark increased my aid package when I decided I wanted to attend this institution but couldn’t afford it, showing me that the college cared about me as an individual which further motivated me to attend. I’ve continuously been able to afford my education due to my scholarships, which is something I’m very thankful for.</p> </p> <p class="quote-author"> <a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/22580-sophia-riley">Sophia Riley BA ’25</a> <br/> <span class="quoted-profile_meta">Kauai, Hawai’i</span> </p> </blockquote>
  • <blockquote> <p> <p> Lewis & Clark was very generous in giving me a scholarship to go here.</p> </p> <p class="quote-author"> <a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/23397-lucca-gleason-geise">Lucca Gleason-Geise BA ’27</a> <br/> <span class="quoted-profile_meta">Woodinville, Washington</span> </p> </blockquote>
  • <blockquote> <p> <p> My financial aid package influenced me a lot. I come from a different background than others, and being able to have aid definitely swayed my decision</p> </p> <p class="quote-author"> <a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/23433-jeremiah-bernal">Jeremiah Bernal BA ’25</a> <br/> <span class="quoted-profile_meta">Stockton, California</span> </p> </blockquote>
  • <blockquote> <p> <p> I knew that what L&C had to offer in terms of education and experience was right up my alley. Having financial aid was crucial to validating my decision.</p> </p> <p class="quote-author"> <a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/21570-tessa-forth">Tessa Forth BA ’26</a> <br/> <span class="quoted-profile_meta">Barbados/Las Vegas, Nevada</span> </p> </blockquote>
  • <blockquote> <p> <p> A key feature that I was looking for in my university was one that would help pay for my education and recognize the hard work that I had done in high school.</p> </p> <p class="quote-author"> <a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/21558-joseph-naylor">Joseph Naylor BA ’26</a> <br/> <span class="quoted-profile_meta">Las Vegas, Nevada</span> </p> </blockquote>
  • <blockquote> <p> <p> My financial aid package had a very large influence on my decision to attend this school. If not for the large number of merit scholarships I received, I would not have been able to attend school here.</p> </p> <p class="quote-author"> <a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/20469-wil-powell-ii">Wil Powell II BA ’24</a> <br/> <span class="quoted-profile_meta">Oakland, Oregon</span> </p> </blockquote>
  • <blockquote> <p> <p> <i> <span style="font-weight: 400;"></span> </i> <span style="font-weight: 400;">This was one of the few schools that gave me a significant amount of money that would make it possible for me to attend a private college. I was looking for smaller classes and closer engagement with students, staff, and faculty, and I am grateful to have been able to do that with this scholarship and aid.</span> </p> </p> <p class="quote-author"> <a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18338-grace-marchant">Grace Marchant BA ’25</a> <br/> <span class="quoted-profile_meta">Upland, California</span> </p> </blockquote>
  • <blockquote> <p> <p> L&C was one of the most generous in terms of financial aid, and I couldn’t pass up the chance to study abroad with the support of the school behind me. With L&C’s help, I’ve been able to prioritize my studies while also balancing a light part-time job.</p> </p> <p class="quote-author"> <a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/18475-beau-staun-list">Beau Staun-List BA ’25</a> <br/> <span class="quoted-profile_meta">Topanga, California</span> </p> </blockquote>
  • <blockquote> <p> <p> Without financial aid, I would not have been able to attend Lewis & Clark.</p> </p> <p class="quote-author"> <a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/23434-lauryn-frederickson">Lauryn Frederickson BA ’27</a> <br/> <span class="quoted-profile_meta">Maple Valley, Washington</span> </p> </blockquote>
  • <blockquote> <p> <p> I was drawn to Lewis & Clark by its stunning campus, tight-knit community, and small class sizes. Of course, my financial aid package made it an even clearer choice.</p> </p> <p class="quote-author"> <a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/23388-nina-low">Nina Low BA ’27</a> <br/> <span class="quoted-profile_meta">Bay Area, California </span> </p> </blockquote>
  • <blockquote> <p> <p> The financial aid package was a significant factor in my decision to attend Lewis & Clark. Without it, I would not have been able to access the amazing resources L&C offers or fulfill my dream of becoming a first-generation college student living in Portland.</p> </p> <p class="quote-author"> <a class="quoted-profile_name" href="/live/profiles/22813-shelby-castro">Shelby Castro BA ’25</a> <br/> <span class="quoted-profile_meta">Ventura, California</span> </p> </blockquote>

Estimated Cost of Attendance 2026–27

The cost of attendance reflects the amount of money a typical undergraduate student is projected to need for school-related expenses during the academic year. The Financial Aid Office publishes estimated costs of tuition and fees, food and housing, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. Actual expenses can vary depending on a number of factors, including but not limited to choice of housing, living arrangements, fees, personal expenses, medical insurance, participating in study abroad, etc.

  Living On Campus Living Off Campus Living With Family
Tuition and Fees $71,092 $71,092 $71,092
Housing $9,578 (double occupancy room) $9,578 N/A
Food $7,314 (14-meal flex plan) $4,050 $4,050
Books $800 $800 $800
Personal Expenses $1,652 $1,422 $1,422
Transportation $1,200 $2,250 $2,250
Total $91,636 $89,192 $79,614

Health Insurance

All degree-seeking students are required to have health insurance, either through the student health insurance plan offered by the college or through private insurance that is deemed comparable. The cost of the school-sponsored student health insurance plan is $3,812 for the 2025-26 academic year. Students with comparable private insurance will be able to waive L&C’s student health insurance plan.

  • 100%

    All entering first-year students in 2025 received scholarships or need-based aid.

  • 4-5-6

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

  • 96%

    Within six months of graduation, 96% of the Lewis & Clark Class of 2024 was already changing the world through employment (71%), continuing studies (22%), and service work (3%), like the Peace Corps.

Types of Aid

Scholarships, grants, on-campus employment, and loans are among the ways that families finance a Lewis & Clark education. All admitted students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships starting at $24,000 per year.

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 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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