
1000 Rim Drive, Durango, CO 81301-3999, USA


Fort Lewis College holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, an organization that evaluates the quality and standards of higher education institutions in the United States. This accreditation assures prospective students that the college meets rigorous academic criteria and institutional effectiveness.
The accreditation status impacts a variety of academic and financial aspects, including the transferability of credits and eligibility for federal financial aid programs. Additionally, many of Fort Lewis College's individual programs have received specialized accreditation from relevant professional bodies, ensuring that specific fields of study adhere to national standards in their disciplines.
For students, attending an accredited institution like Fort Lewis College means their degree will be recognized by employers and other universities, which is vital when pursuing further education or entering the workforce.
Fort Lewis College requires applicants to have completed a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or equivalent high school graduation. Prospective students must submit their secondary school GPA, rank, and complete academic records as part of the admission process. Admission also mandates completion of an approved college preparatory program. Although Fort Lewis College does not have an open admission policy, it does accept college credits and Advanced Placement (AP) credits towards degree requirements.
Applicants need to provide proof of English language proficiency through the TOEFL exam, which is compulsory. Other standardized tests are recommended but not strictly required. The college does not require applicants to have their own computer; however, it offers computer lease options.
Fort Lewis College has a high acceptance rate of approximately 93%, placing it in the upper range nationally for accessibility. The average SAT score for admitted students hovers around 1085, with a breakdown of about 530 in math and 555 in writing, both of which are considered average to low compared to national percentiles. The average ACT score is about 20, which lies in the lower percentiles nationally. These figures suggest that the college admits a broad range of academic profiles while maintaining specific entry standards.
Fort Lewis College requires prospective students to pay an application fee when submitting their admission materials. This fee covers the administrative costs associated with processing applications and is a standard requirement for all applicants. However, the college recognizes that this cost may pose a barrier for some students seeking to apply.
To address this, Fort Lewis College offers application fee waivers under certain circumstances. Eligible students may request a waiver to have this fee reduced or completely waived, ensuring that financial constraints do not prevent qualified candidates from pursuing admission.
Applicants interested in obtaining a fee waiver typically need to provide documentation or meet specific eligibility criteria set by the college. This process is designed to be accessible and supportive, fostering inclusivity in the admissions procedure.
It is advisable for prospective students to review the college's official application guidelines or contact the admissions office to understand the exact requirements and procedures for fee waiver requests. This proactive approach can relieve some financial pressure and assist applicants in completing their submissions successfully.
Fort Lewis College does not have its own ROTC programs on campus. However, students interested in participating in ROTC may have the option to enroll in programs offered through partnerships with nearby institutions or regional military training centers. Prospective students should inquire directly with the college or affiliated ROTC detachments to explore available pathways and support for ROTC coursework and commissioning opportunities.
Fort Lewis College allows transfer students to enroll in the fall, spring, and summer terms, offering multiple entry points throughout the academic year. The admissions process is considered moderately difficult, reflecting a balanced level of selectivity for prospective transfers.
Transfer applicants can submit credits earned through standardized examinations, including CLEP General and Subject exams as well as DANTES tests, which the college recognizes as part of their credit evaluation. Additionally, the institution accepts transfer credits from other accredited colleges, demonstrating a willingness to accommodate varied academic backgrounds.
The college does consider letters of recommendation as part of the transfer application, which may support a student's academic profile. However, transferred credits must typically be from coursework completed within the past ten years, ensuring that transferred material remains relevant to current academic standards.
Fort Lewis College offers prospective students a variety of study abroad opportunities designed to enhance their academic experience and cultural understanding. The college organizes semester-long and summer programs across multiple countries, allowing students to immerse themselves in different academic environments while earning course credits applicable to their degrees.
The programs span numerous disciplines, including humanities, social sciences, environmental studies, and business, ensuring students from diverse fields can find suitable options. Fort Lewis College emphasizes partnerships with international universities to facilitate a seamless credit transfer and maintain academic standards.
Additionally, some study abroad offerings include service-learning components or internships that enable students to gain practical experience while abroad. These programs often incorporate language immersion, cultural activities, and community engagement, broadening students' global perspectives and intercultural skills.
Students interested in shorter-term experiences can pursue Fort Lewis College's faculty-led trips, which typically last a few weeks and focus on specific themes or projects aligned with their academic interests. These programs provide a more structured environment with guided learning and group activities, ideal for those unable to commit to a semester abroad.
Median composite SAT score
1085Median composite ACT score
20Percent of students submitting SAT scores
19%High school completions
General Educational Development (GED) requiredComputer required
NoComputer purchase/lease plan is available in the institution
YesSecondary school GPA
RequiredSecondary school rank
RequiredSecondary school record
RequiredCompletion of college-preparatory program
RequiredRecommendations
Data not availableFormal demonstration of competencies
Data not availableAdmission test scores
Data not availableTOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language
RequiredOther Test (Wonderlic, WISC-III, etc.)
RecommendedOpen admission policy
NoDual credit
NoCredit for life experiences
YesAdvanced placement (AP) credits
YesOrientation program
YesDisabilities services
YesOff-campus study
NoStudy abroad
YesWeekend/evening college
Data not availableStudent can complete their preparation in certain areas of specialization
YesPreparation at another institution required
NoApproved by the state for initial certification or licensure of teacher
YesEntrance difficulty for transfer students
ModerateGenerally accepts credits
YesAccept ACE recommendation for credit
YesPossible transfer
Fall, Spring, Summer