Lewis and Clark vs. Willamette University

Comparable Facts

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

Lewis & Clark College is larger than Willamette University based on total student enrollment (3,504 students vs. 2,180 students)

Location, institution type, and student-faculty ratio

• Lewis & Clark College is located in Portland, OR (Large City setting); Willamette University is in Salem, OR (Midsize City setting).
• Lewis & Clark College is a private, non-profit 4-year institution. Willamette University is a private, non-profit 4-year institution.
• Student-to-faculty ratio: Lewis & Clark College 12:1; Willamette University 13:1.

Lewis and Clark vs. Willamette University Cost Comparison

Which college is more expensive, Lewis and Clark or Willamette 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 Willamette University than Lewis and Clark ($29,421 vs. $37,999).
• Living costs (room and board or off-campus housing budget) at Lewis & Clark College are 3.1% lower than at Willamette University ($15,648 vs. $16,150).
• Lewis & Clark College is 26.7% more expensive for in-state tuition than Willamette University (about $13,672 more per year; $64,828.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• Out-of-state tuition is 26.7% higher at Lewis and Clark than at Willamette University (about $13,672 more per year; $64,828.00 vs. $51,156.00).
• The same share of students receive grant aid at Lewis & Clark College as at Willamette University (100% vs. 100%).
• The average total grant financial aid received by Lewis & Clark College students is 10.3% larger than aid received by Willamette University students ($42,021 vs. $38,080).

Lewis and Clark vs. Willamette University Admissions comparison

Which college is harder to get into, Lewis and Clark or Willamette 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 Willamette University and Lewis and Clark.

• The typical SAT score (median estimate) at Willamette University (1340) is 40 points higher than at Lewis and Clark (1300).
• Incoming Willamette University students have a 1 point higher typical ACT composite (median estimate) (30 vs. 29 at Lewis and Clark).
• Reported middle 50% SAT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lewis & Clark College 1210/1390; Willamette University 1240/1440.
• Reported middle 50% ACT composite range (25th-75th percentile) for admitted students: Lewis & Clark College 28/31; Willamette University 28/33.
• Submitting SAT or ACT scores: Lewis and Clark - Test-free; Willamette University - Test optional.
• Typical fall application deadline: Lewis and Clark Jan 15, 2027; Willamette University Jan 15, 2027.
• Accepted freshman Willamette University students have a 0.02 point higher average high school GPA (3.97) than students at Lewis and Clark (3.95).
• Lewis and Clark has a higher acceptance rate (78.5%) than Willamette University (77.1%).
• The share of admitted students who enrolled (yield) is 9.7% at Lewis and Clark vs. 14.3% at Willamette University.

Lewis and Clark vs. Willamette University Graduation Outcomes Comparison

How do outcomes compare for Lewis and Clark and Willamette 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).

• Willamette University's six-year graduation rate (77%) is higher than Lewis & Clark College's (73%).
• Graduates from Willamette University earn a median of about $3,400 more per year than Lewis and Clark graduates about ten years after starting college ($54,300 vs. $50,900), per the same Scorecard earnings definition.
• Among federal student loan borrowers, Lewis & Clark College graduates have a $1,500 lower median loan debt than Willamette University graduates ($24,500 vs. $26,000).
• Among borrowers, Lewis and Clark graduates have an estimated $15 lower median monthly federal student loan payment than Willamette University graduates ($253 vs. $268).
• More Lewis and Clark graduates are actively paying back their federal student loan debt than former Willamette University students, three years after graduation. (82% vs. 80%)

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.