L&C Generates Economic Impact for Oregon and for Graduates
Lewis & Clark is one of 12 schools that generated an economic impact of $3.5 billion to the state of Oregon during fiscal year 2020-21. An average bachelor’s degree graduate from the same time period is expected to see annual earnings that are $35,700 higher than those of an Oregon high school graduate.
Lewis & Clark is one of 12 member schools of the Oregon Alliance of Independent Colleges & Universities (The Alliance) that helped generate an annual economic impact to the state of Oregon of $3.5 billion during fiscal year 2020–21, according to a new report by Lightcast.
In addition, the report noted that member institutions’ graduates will receive a stream of higher future earnings that will continue to grow throughout their working lives. For example, their average bachelor’s degree graduate from FY 2020–21 will see annual earnings that are $35,700 higher than a person with a high school diploma or equivalent working in Oregon. Over a working lifetime, the benefits of the bachelor’s degree over a high school diploma will amount to an undiscounted value of $1.5 million in higher earnings per graduate.
Credit: Nina Johnson“We know that Lewis & Clark’s programs and initiatives have a tremendous positive impact on our students and graduates, as well as on the city, region and state. It’s great to see it illustrated in hard numbers,” said Robin Holmes-Sullivan, president of Lewis & Clark. “To me, the report’s main takeaway is that Oregon’s private colleges and universities are a public good. Investing in higher ed pays major dividends for Oregonians.”
In FY 2020–21, Oregon invested $1.1 billion to support The Alliance member institutions. In turn, the Oregon economy will grow by $7.3 billion over the course of students’ working lives. Further report highlights include:
- A total impact on the Oregon economy of $3.5 billion in added income, which equates to 43,396 jobs supported. For perspective, the activities of the member institutions and their students support one out of every 59 jobs in Oregon.
- A cumulative present value of $3.1 billion in increased earnings over student’s working lives. This translates to a return of $3.50 in higher future earnings for every dollar students invest in their education.
- In total, taxpayers gain $929.4 million in added tax revenue and public sector savings.
- A net impact of $2.9 billion in added income from The Alliance’s former students currently employed in the state workforce.
- The expenditures of relocated and retained students added $114.1 million in income to the Oregon economy.
- Brought $26 million of added income to the state of Oregon through visitor spending impact.
In addition, the investment analysis revealed that for every $1 students gain $3.50 in lifetime earnings and society gains $6.90 in added income and social savings.
More Stories

Toil and Trouble
‘Something Wicked This Way Comes’ to the Main Stage
This spring on L&C’s Main Stage, the theatre department presented a contemporary take on Shakespeare’s Macbeth, a mystifying and twisted tale that explores the relationships between human beings and the natural world through horror, humanity, and the uncanny.

Career Success
L&C Launches New Career Accelerator “Turbocharged” by $5M Commitment
This transformational approach to career readiness will integrate career competencies and work-ready skills into every undergraduate’s academic journey; a commitment from Heidi Hu BS ’85 and Daniel Hsieh establishes an endowment to support it.

Environmental Law Moot Court Team Wins National Championship
Lewis & Clark recently secured its ninth championship at the Jeffrey G. Miller National Environmental Law Moot Court Competition, further solidifying our status as the most successful school in the competition’s history.

L&C Traditions
A Tradition of Connection: L&C’s International Fair Turns 60
For six decades, Lewis & Clark’s International Fair has brought cultures together through food, performances, and community. The run-up to this year’s fair, held March 1, featured a week of festivities, including student-designed meals and a visual history of the fair, highlighting its impact on generations of students.