Communication and Media Studies at Lewis & Clark College

The tiny sample size here makes it hard to draw firm conclusions, but the pattern is troubling enough to warrant serious caution. Lewis & Clark's communication graduates earn just $17,707 in their first year—ranking in the bottom 10% both nationally and among Oregon programs. That's roughly half what graduates earn from Oregon State or Western Oregon, despite Lewis & Clark charging significantly more in tuition. The $20,500 debt load is actually lower than many communication programs, but it still represents 116% of that first year's income.

The dramatic earnings jump to $53,385 by year four suggests graduates eventually find their footing, perhaps after additional training or career pivots. But that initial earning period matters enormously when loan payments begin. For context, Portland State—with a 93% acceptance rate versus Lewis & Clark's 75%—produces communication graduates earning nearly double in year one. The data hints that something about this program isn't translating to immediate career traction, whether that's the curriculum focus, employer networks, or simply the realities of Portland's media market.

Given the small sample and Lewis & Clark's $60,000+ annual cost, families should verify these patterns with the school directly and understand exactly what career outcomes recent graduates are achieving. The eventual earnings recovery is encouraging, but the rocky start creates real financial stress during a critical period.