Durango, CO · Private University
Is Fort Lewis College Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$46,349
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$9,670
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$20,798
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$83,192
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
2.23x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
7.3 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
43.1%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$18,389
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$17,339
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Fort Lewis College graduates earn $1,349 more than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Fort Lewis College ranked by graduate earnings
31 graduates
38 graduates
79 graduates
25 graduates
36 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Fort Lewis College
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Fort Lewis College, the gap between the highest-earning major (Engineering, General: $73,037) and the lowest (Outdoor Education: $25,514) is $47,523/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering, GeneralBest ROI | $73,037 | 3.5x |
| Accounting and Related Services | $58,502 | 2.8x |
| Business/Commerce, General | $52,714 | 2.5x |
| English Language and Literature, General | $40,521 | 1.9x |
| Biology, General | $38,066 | 1.8x |
| Chemistry | $36,977 | 1.8x |
| Anthropology | $36,506 | 1.8x |
| Health and Physical Education/Fitness | $34,619 | 1.7x |
| Natural Resources Conservation and Research | $34,200 | 1.6x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $34,095 | 1.6x |
| Public Health | $33,966 | 1.6x |
| Sociology | $32,059 | 1.5x |
| Psychology, General | $31,887 | 1.5x |
| Outdoor EducationLowest(1yr data) | $25,514 | 1.2x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Fort Lewis College stands out as a strong financial investment among U.S. colleges. Graduates earn $46,349 10 years after starting, $1,349 above the national median of $45,000. Graduates typically break even on their investment within 7.3 years, a reasonable timeline.
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Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.