Economics at Lewis & Clark College

Lewis & Clark's economics program produces graduates earning around $50,000 initially—below the national median but above most Oregon schools. At the 60th percentile statewide, it outperforms larger public universities like Oregon and Oregon State, though Reed College graduates earn roughly $3,500 more in their first year. The $25,246 median debt sits slightly above both state and national benchmarks, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.51 that suggests graduates should manage repayment without significant strain.

The 5% earnings growth over four years is modest but positive, and the relatively low debt burden (27th percentile nationally) gives graduates financial flexibility early in their careers. The program trails the national median by about $2,000, which matters if students plan to relocate after graduation, but for those staying in Oregon's job market, the outcomes align well with regional realities.

The major caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes likely vary considerably. One student landing a high-paying analyst position or another pursuing graduate school immediately can skew these numbers. If your child is drawn to Lewis & Clark for its smaller classes and Portland location, the economics program won't create a debt problem, but they'll need to be proactive about internships and networking to reach the higher end of possible outcomes.