Lewis & Clark College Reviews

"The first hint that this school has blind spots was when they asked me what i would do to increase diversity in the field of counseling, when the school itself was in a much more powerful position to create equity by offering a hybrid or online program. Instead, there are only day time in person classes which preclude a person who has to work regular hours. While I learned a lot in some classes, other classes were embarrassingly out of date (the diversity class), despite being taught by a counselor from an underrepresented group. Program advisors were ill equipped to navigate problems that arose and chose to just kick a student out rather than attempt problem solving. The program I was in required students to show up as clinicians despite there being no prerequisite for clinical experience. The program suffers from a common problem of those in charge not being skilled in program management or teaching, but rather highly trained, but not well experienced in their field. That said, I read a ton and learned a lot, but personal pursuit had a lot to do with that."

"One of the biggest mistakes I ever made was pursuing a graduate degree at this college: it's very expensive and the quality of education extremely poor. I was seeking an education and what Lewis & Clark Graduate School offers is more indoctrination than anything useful with the exception of two professors in my program. The accreditation program for counseling, CACREP sent interviewers to the school while I was attending because there were such questionable things happening. Critical thinking was actively discouraged and I saw students harshly shamed for asking questions or challenging orthodoxy. The quality of teaching with the exception of two of my professors was extremely poor - assignments given were often grade school level and almost embarrassing. I experienced more rigorous standards at community college for a transfer degree. That said, if you're a student challenged to read a book or not wanting to think too hard, this is the place for you. I think it's telling that I had professors who did not grade or return assignments for the entire class. When feedback was given, it was minimal, often being chastisement for not thinking exactly as the professor told you to think. I'm certain I could have done better with a relatively cheaper online degree."

"The Art Therapy program was terrible, expensive and not worth it. I do not recommend this program to anyone. I left feeling unprepared, underwhelmed and disappointed with the program, director and adjunct faculty. This program does not prepare you for the real work you have to do after you graduate."

"Every year things change and the new incoming class cohort gets better accommodations and less on their plate. Classes and expectations change every cohort, not sure if every cohort gets the same knowledge/experience, which is very concerning. Feedback on assignments is very basic, flat, and non-personable to the student. A lot of their mentors have never been mentors, which is very concerning when you are paying a lot in tuition for a good experience. A lot of adjunct professors are new and not very knowledgeable. It was hard to take this program seriously."

"Don't go here unless your parents have money -- I'm talking $50,000+ per year money. There is basically no financial aid. The best they offer is for you to go beg for money in an essay contest. If you win, you might get a few grand here and there, but believe me, you won't have time to be writing essay contest essays in your free time. Also, the school does not care about the nightmarish parking situation, and is inflexible in allowing a continued remote learning option. Literally a majority of law students voted not to come back in person, and the school did not care. The social vibe is clique-ish and exclusionary. Terrible experience all around."

"The school and community are awesome at Lewis and Clark. The school offers so much help to students as well as amenities. Library use 24/7, a beautiful campus surrounded by nature, professors are all highly intelligent people, and the support system is phenomenal. Law school can be very difficult and stressful. One may have doubts, but the school keeps its students motivated and sets every student up for success. I love this school and I am so blessed to be a part of this beautiful college."

"When thinking about whether a school is a good fit for me or not, I am initially apt to consider my learning style, and the type of educational approach that a particular college/university takes. I am drawn to colleges that have smaller class sizes, that provide intimate instruction, allowing for more one on one attention between teacher and student. I also value a more progressive community that is open to a variety of learning styles, along with cultural competence. For example, not having test taking being the main administering agent in determining grades, but instead assigning group projects, presentations, papers, and in class assignments. In choosing to attend Lewis and Clark College in Portland, OR, I knew that I would be gaining this attributes, as it's a small private college that proves to be highly liberal in comparison to many other universities. The one predicament that many people have with small private college is the expense, and I myself have grappled with this in making my initial decision to attend Lewis and Clark. I initially chose to begin my masters degree at the University of Vermont, which is a larger state university in Burlington, VT. Although I knew that it would be much cheaper for me to attend, I found myself feeling lost in the crowd, and wasn't building the type of community and support system that I was seeking in my graduate education; especially being away from family and friends. I asked myself, what would help me to feel more fulfilled? I quickly realized that the program I was in wasn't catering to my age range , and it proved to be a university that was predominately favored for undergraduate students. Lastly, it was extremely difficult to obtain an on campus job, which would have been a solution to pay for tuition. It was one of the best decisions I have ever made to transfer and complete my degree at Lewis and Clark College. I have been able to find the community I'm seeking , experience more of a progressive atmosphere, receive the attention necessary for my standard of learning, and bask in the beautiful evergreens of the pacific northwest; quite the utopia of a campus with hiking trails and mountain views. The classes prove to be engaging, authentic, and challenging, as well as appropriate for my chosen major. The professors I have met thus far have been passionate and invested in their area of expertise, sincerely wanting the students to succeed. I would recommend attending Lewis and Clark college for these reasons, and if you have the willingness to take out student loans, because lets face it--it's the risk most students have to take, especially if they want to attend a college that's a wonderful fit for them."

"Lewis & Clark College provides an excellent liberal arts education to students who are motivated in their field. The majority of the professors are excellent and dedicated to furthering the learning of their students. There are small classrooms with lots of discussion and practical application of learning. There are also excellent resources through the Student Academic Affairs Board, clubs and school programs such as College Outdoors. Some students are not very motivated, but for those willing to put their effort into their education you get a lot back."

"Lewis and Clark Counseling program provides in depth and experiential instruction that is CACREP certified and therefore very supportive of the process towards LPC licensure. The faculty and staff are compassionate, qualified and foster a community environment. With the exception of lacking racial diversity within the student population, the program is well-suited for those seeking a deeper dive into the realm of social justice integration into their career and serving diverse populations."

"Lewis and Clark was a wonderful school! I transferred at the age of 21 and was offered almost my entire tuition--incredibly generous package. The campus is beautiful, small, and incredibly supportive. I had teachers from all over the world, and their classes and instructors opened my eyes to a much larger world around me. My BA in English allowed me to continue my education and become a high school English teacher--which has been incredible! Now, I am seeking a MA in Curriculum and Instruction, so I can pursue a career abroad, developing curriculum for international students. At 45, I am ready for the second chapter of my life, and LC gave me the desire to help others and to seek adventure!"

"This degree was holistic, it was a liberal arts degree. I was exposed to different classes than I may have chosen to take in another school for my General education requirements. This was a nice way to supplement my focused learning. I wish there had been different required Authors for those Gen. Ed classes, but that may be requirements from a board that professors were required to meet."

"Lewis and Clark's graduate school of ED is a small and intimate environment in which you can get your MAT. Professors/Staff are knowledgeable and get to know students in the graduate program well. Unlike many other MAT programs, LC provides you with a one year internship at one school, and one class. This lets you experience a full year beginning to end during your practicum. As cohorts are fairly small you get to know your classmates well and gain friendships in your future field that will last well beyond your time at LC. The campus is also beautiful."

"Great school with a sense of community. Top-notch professors and programs with smaller class sizes."

"LC is incredibly photogenic and is a great spot for 1:1 teaching. Having transferred from a large state school, I appreciated that aspect of the college tremendously and felt valued and encouraged to advocate for my education in the classroom. That said, the school is also isolated and getting on/off campus is difficult. This can make being on the hill alienating and give the feeling of being trapped. Definitely take a closer look at how administration is dealing with the demands of the Black Student Union and the protests that are happening in the wake of an absent president (the weeks of November 2015) before considering applying here. Safety, both as a black student and non-black poc students is suspect. Mental health, the availability of counselors, and the process of believing survivors of sexual assault should also be investigated."

"Quality professors & education. Environmentally and social-consciousness-focused student body. A lot of student bands, and a generally active student body."

"Engaged smart students. Caring staff. Overlook the stereotypes and you will find your niche"

"Lewis & Clark provided a very special college experience. It's a small school with a beautiful campus. My professors and peers were intelligent, curious, thoughtful people, and I learned a lot about myself over my 4 years there. Overall, I wouldn't trade my experience there for any university experience."

"Lewis & Clark is a great school. Very progressive, focused on service and community engagement, while still providing a high quality education."

"Wonderful experience at LC. Small classes, great professors, thoughtful students. If you can afford the high cost of attending a small, private liberal arts college, I highly recommend Lewis & Clark."

"I wish Lewis & Clark provided guidance on how to transform a liberal arts education into marketable job skills. This proved to be the primary takeaway after leaving. LC gives its students a fantastic education, but encourages its alums to participate in non-profit endeavors or to go to grad school, not necessarily to build a career. Additionally, I wish more importance was placed on extracurriculars."