Lewis and Clark vs. University of Puget Sound

Comparable Facts

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

Lewis & Clark College is larger than University of Puget Sound based on total student enrollment (3,504 students vs. 1,864 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lewis & Clark College is located in Portland, OR (Large City setting); University of Puget Sound is in Tacoma, WA (Midsize City setting).
• Lewis & Clark College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. University of Puget Sound is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lewis & Clark College 12:1; University of Puget Sound 10:1.

Lewis and Clark vs. University of Puget Sound Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lewis and Clark or University of Puget Sound? 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 Lewis & Clark College than University of Puget Sound ($37,999 vs. $43,188).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lewis & Clark College are 5.2% lower than at University of Puget Sound ($15,648 vs. $16,498).
• Lewis & Clark College is 3.1% more expensive for in-state tuition than University of Puget Sound (about $1,930 more per year; $64,828.00 vs. $62,898.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 3.1% higher at Lewis and Clark than at University of Puget Sound (about $1,930 more per year; $64,828.00 vs. $62,898.00).
• A larger share of students receive grant aid at Lewis & Clark College than at University of Puget Sound (100% vs. 99%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lewis & Clark College students is 19.4% larger than aid received by University of Puget Sound students ($42,021 vs. $35,179).

Lewis and Clark vs. University of Puget Sound Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lewis and Clark or University of Puget Sound? 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 University of Puget Sound and Lewis and Clark.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Lewis & Clark College (1300) is 20 points higher than at University of Puget Sound (1280).
• Incoming Lewis and Clark students have the same typical ACT composite (median estimate; 29) as students at University of Puget Sound (29).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lewis & Clark College 1210/1390; University of Puget Sound 1170/1380.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lewis & Clark College 28/31; University of Puget Sound 27/31.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lewis and Clark - Test-free; University of Puget Sound - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Lewis and Clark Jan 15, 2027; University of Puget Sound Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Lewis and Clark students have a 0.39 point higher average high school GPA (3.95) than students at University of Puget Sound (3.56).
• Lewis and Clark has a higher acceptance rate (78.5%) than University of Puget Sound (72.2%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.7% at Lewis and Clark vs. 11.4% at University of Puget Sound.

Lewis and Clark vs. University of Puget Sound Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lewis and Clark and University of Puget Sound? 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).

• The graduation rate at Lewis and Clark is the same as at University of Puget Sound (73% vs. 73%).
• Graduates from University of Puget Sound earn a median of about $6,700 more per year than Lewis and Clark graduates about ten years after starting college ($57,600 vs. $50,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lewis & Clark College graduates have a $2,500 lower median loan debt than University of Puget Sound graduates ($24,500 vs. $27,000).
• Among borrowers, Lewis and Clark graduates have an estimated $26 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than University of Puget Sound graduates ($253 vs. $279).
• More University of Puget Sound graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Lewis and Clark students, three years after graduation. (84% vs. 82%)

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.