University of Oregon vs Lewis & Clark College: which has better ROI?
University of Oregon has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $88,728 in 6.8 years versus 10.4 years at Lewis & Clark College, on median earnings of $61,324 vs $62,205 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | University of Oregon | Lewis & Clark College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $22,182 | $36,013 |
| Total net cost | $88,728 | $144,052 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $61,324 | $62,205 |
| Median debt | $20,139 | $19,500 |
| Payback | 6.8 yrs | 10.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $170,552 | $132,848 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, University of Oregon or Lewis & Clark College?
University of Oregon, at $22,182 a year after aid versus $36,013 — a gap of $13,831 a year, or $55,324 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do University of Oregon or Lewis & Clark College graduates earn more?
Lewis & Clark College graduates report a median $62,205 ten years after entry, $881 more than the $61,324 at University of Oregon. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, University of Oregon or Lewis & Clark College?
Lewis & Clark College: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $20,139 at University of Oregon, a difference of $639. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
75% of students finish at Lewis & Clark College, against 72% at University of Oregon. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.