Lewis and Clark vs. Portland State University

Comparable Facts

Compare Lewis & Clark College in Portland, OR with Portland State University in Portland, OR on tuition, admissions, graduation, earnings, and student body data using the table above.

Portland State University is larger than Lewis and Clark based on total student enrollment (19,951 students vs. 3,504 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lewis & Clark College is located in Portland, OR (Large City setting); Portland State University is in Portland, OR (Large City setting).
• Lewis & Clark College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Portland State University is a public, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lewis & Clark College 12:1; Portland State University 17:1.

Lewis and Clark vs. Portland State University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lewis and Clark or Portland State University? Published tuition is the sticker price; many students pay less after aid (see average net price below).

• The typical actual cost that students pay to attend (average net price) is less at Portland State University than Lewis and Clark ($10,195 vs. $37,999).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Portland State University are 12.3% lower than at Lewis & Clark College ($13,728 vs. $15,648).
• Lewis & Clark College is 455.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than Portland State University (about $53,149 more per year; $64,828.00 vs. $11,679.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 108.6% higher at Lewis and Clark than at Portland State University (about $33,754 more per year; $64,828.00 vs. $31,074.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lewis & Clark College than at Portland State University (100% vs. 89%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lewis & Clark College students is 295.3% larger than aid received by Portland State University students ($42,021 vs. $10,629).

Lewis and Clark vs. Portland State University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lewis and Clark or Portland State University? Typical SAT and ACT scores (same estimates as in the table above), middle 50% test ranges where reported, test score submission policy, deadlines, and acceptance rates summarize admission difficulty between Portland State University and Lewis and Clark.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lewis & Clark College (1300) is 170 points higher than at Portland State University (1130).
• Incoming Lewis and Clark students have a 9 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (29 vs. 20 at Portland State University).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lewis & Clark College 1210/1390; Portland State University 1000/1250.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lewis & Clark College 28/31; Portland State University 17/24.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lewis and Clark - Test-free; Portland State University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Lewis and Clark Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lewis and Clark students have a 0.59 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at Portland State University (3.36).
• Portland State University has a higher acceptance rate (90.9%) than Lewis and Clark (78.5%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.7% at Lewis and Clark vs. 18.2% at Portland State University.

Lewis and Clark vs. Portland State University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lewis and Clark and Portland State University? Graduation rate, earnings, and student loan debt are common indicators. The bullets below summarize the same federal outcomes fields as the comparison table (College Scorecard / IPEDS where applicable).

• Lewis & Clark College's six-year graduation rate (73%) is higher than Portland State University's (38%).
• Graduates from Lewis & Clark College earn a median of about $2,300 more per year than Portland State University graduates about ten years after starting college ($50,900 vs. $48,600), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Portland State University graduates have a $1,866 lower median loan debt than Lewis and Clark graduates ($22,634 vs. $24,500).
• Among borrowers, Portland State University graduates have an estimated $19 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Lewis and Clark graduates ($234 vs. $253).
• More Lewis and Clark graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Portland State University students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 55%)

Sources: U.S. Department of Education https://nces.ed.gov IPEDS and College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/. Values reflect the most recent year available in our dataset.