Western Oregon University vs Lewis & Clark College: which has better ROI?
Lewis & Clark College has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $144,052 in 10.4 years versus 20 years at Western Oregon University, on median earnings of $62,205 vs $51,815 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Western Oregon University | Lewis & Clark College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $17,237 | $36,013 |
| Total net cost | $68,948 | $144,052 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $51,815 | $62,205 |
| Median debt | $20,609 | $19,500 |
| Payback | 20 yrs | 10.4 yrs |
| 20-year net return | $152 | $132,848 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Western Oregon University or Lewis & Clark College?
Western Oregon University, at $17,237 a year after aid versus $36,013 — a gap of $18,776 a year, or $75,104 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Western Oregon University or Lewis & Clark College graduates earn more?
Lewis & Clark College graduates report a median $62,205 ten years after entry, $10,390 more than the $51,815 at Western Oregon University. 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, Western Oregon University or Lewis & Clark College?
Lewis & Clark College: its completers carry a median $19,500 in federal loans versus $20,609 at Western Oregon University, a difference of $1,109. 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 47% at Western Oregon University. 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.